Estuary Management Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and Lagoons · 2019-07-04 · ii Estuary...

Wollongong City Council

Estuary Management Plan forSeveral Wollongong Creeks and Lagoons

Estuary Management Study and PlanDecember 2007

i21/15574/75242 Estuary Management Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and LagoonsEstuary Management Study and Plan

Executive Summary

GHD was commissioned by Wollongong City Council to complete an Estuary Management Study andPlan (EMSP) for ten creeks and lagoons in the Wollongong local government area (LGA). The studyarea comprised the tidal waterways, foreshores, surrounding open space and adjacent lands of thefollowing estuaries:

» Tom Thumb Lagoon (including Springhill and J.J. Kelly catchments);

» Bellambi Lagoon;

» Bellambi Gully (including Farrahars Creek catchment);

» Collins Creek;

» Whartons Creek;

» Slacky Creek;

» Flanagans Creek (including Thomas Gibson Creek);

» Stoney Creek;

» Stanwell Creek; and

» Hargraves Creek.

The EMSP was developed to take into consideration the findings and outcomes of the earlier EstuaryProcesses Study (EPS) completed by GHD in 2007. The EPS concluded that the key issues associatedwith many of the estuaries included:

» Poor water quality, with elevated faecal coliforms making the estuaries unsuitable for primary, andsometimes secondary, contact recreational activities, plus elevated nutrients and heavy metals, andlow dissolved oxygen concentrations;

» The conservation, and where possible, the enhancement, of ecological values, including theappropriate management of Endangered Ecological Communities, aquatic vegetation (seagrasses,saltmarsh, mangroves), and riparian habitat of potential value to threatened species;

» The management of threats to the ecological values of the estuaries including the decline and/orweed invasion of riparian vegetation and EECs; loss of fauna and riparian habitat through urbandevelopment; inappropriate levels of, or impacts from, recreational use (particularly at BellambiLagoon); introduced fauna preying on native fauna; urban runoff containing high levels of nutrients,with possible impacts on algal blooms; industrial and/or contaminated runoff entering Tom ThumbLagoon; and impacts on water quality from sewage, industrial and residential sources;

» The maintenance and improvement of water quality and fishery habitat in the estuaries, and inparticular the conservation of seagrasses and mangroves;

» The management of areas of potential and actual bank erosion; and

» The conservation of cultural heritage values, and in particular the Aboriginal middens and associatedsites at Bellambi Lagoon.

These issues have been addressed in this EMSP through the development of management objectivesdesigned to achieve the maintenance of existing estuarine conditions, together with measures to provide

ii 21/15574/75242Estuary Management Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and LagoonsEstuary Management Study and Plan

future improvements in estuary functions. Management strategies and actions have been developed toachieve the outcomes associated with the management objectives, and these have been subject to acost benefit analysis to determine the most cost-effective actions. The actions form the basis for theEstuary Management Plan, the implementation of which will be managed by Wollongong City Counciland the Estuary Management Committee.

A monitoring plan has been developed to ensure that the success of the implementation of themanagement actions is assessed and periodically reviewed.

iii21/15574/75242 Estuary Management Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and LagoonsEstuary Management Study and Plan

ContentsExecutive Summary i

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Estuary Management Process 1

1.2 Scope of Estuary Management Study and Plan 2

1.3 Study and plan objectives 3

1.4 Study background and processes overview 4

2. Policy and Legislative Framework 7

2.1 Overview 7

2.2 Integrated coastal zone management 7

2.3 Wetlands, riparian lands and habitat management 8

2.4 Planning documents 9

2.5 Natural resource management legislation 10

2.6 Cultural heritage legislation 11

3. Community and Stakeholder Consultation 13

3.1 Objectives 13

3.2 Key Stakeholders 13

3.3 Consultation Activities 14

3.4 Consultation Issues/Comments 15

3.5 Public Exhibition 20

4. Estuary Management Issues 21

4.1 Estuary values, significance and essential features 21

4.2 Estuary uses 22

4.3 General issues of concern 22

4.4 Specific issues of concern 24

5. Objectives for Future Management 29

5.1 Identification 29

5.2 Adopted Objectives 29

6. Development and Assessment of Future ManagementStrategies 31

6.1 Identification of management strategies 31

6.2 Description of management strategies 31

iv 21/15574/75242Estuary Management Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and LagoonsEstuary Management Study and Plan

6.3 Assessment of strategies 55

7. Estuary Management Plan 57

8. Monitoring Plan 59

9. References 61

AppendicesA Estuary Management Plan – Management Actions Ordered by Rank

B Estuary Management Plan – Management Actions Ordered by Estuary

121/15574/75242 Estuary Management Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and LagoonsEstuary Management Study and Plan

1. Introduction

1.1 Estuary Management ProcessWollongong City Council (WCC) engaged GHD to prepare an Estuary Processes Study (EPS) andEstuary Management Study and Plan (EMSP) for ten creeks and lagoons in the Wollongong localgovernment area (LGA). The EPS has been reported in a separate document (GHD, 2007).

This EMSP was prepared under the NSW Government’s Estuary Management Program and developedin accordance with the requirements of the NSW Estuary Management Policy (1992) and NSW CoastalPolicy (1997). This EMSP builds on the findings of the EPS.

Figure 1.1 summarises the NSW Government’s estuary management process. The estuarymanagement program is administered by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC;formerly the Department of Natural Resources), which provides a subsidy to local councils of up to 50%of the cost of completing each stage of the process.

WCC has formed an Estuary Management Committee (EMC) to oversee the process. The committeemembership includes Councillors, Council staff, representatives of relevant authorities and agencies,local community groups and users of the estuary.

Steps two and three in the estuary management process are the identification of existing availableinformation and data for the subject estuaries, and undertaking the EPS. The data compilation studyundertaken for this project was prepared by WBM Oceanics (2006). The EPS study undertaken by GHD(2007) defined the existing condition of the various estuarine processes and their interactions. The EPSalso documented the physical processes, water quality, ecological and biological parameters and theextent to which human activities have impacted upon estuarine processes.

The information and data obtained during the EPS has subsequently been used to develop this EMSP,which identifies the essential features and current uses of the estuaries and develops overallmanagement objectives for them. This EMSP also identifies the management strategies and actionsnecessary to achieve the management objectives.

2 21/15574/75242Estuary Management Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and LagoonsEstuary Management Study and Plan

Figure 1.1 NSW Government Estuary Management Process

1.2 Scope of Estuary Management Study and PlanThis EMSP addresses the tidal waterways, foreshores, surrounding open space and adjacent lands of:

» Tom Thumb Lagoon (including Springhill and J.J. Kelly catchments);

» Bellambi Lagoon;

» Bellambi Gully (including Farrahars Creek catchment);

» Collins Creek;

» Whartons Creek;

» Slacky Creek;

» Flanagans Creek (including Thomas Gibson Creek);

Assemble Existing DataIdentify and assemble existing data

Form Estuary Management Committee

Undertake Estuary Process Study

Undertake Estuary Management Study

Prepare Draft Estuary Management Plan

Review Draft Estuary Management Plan

Implement Estuary Management Plan

Monitor and Review


» Stoney Creek;

» Stanwell Creek; and

» Hargraves Creek.

The ten estuary, coastal creek and lagoon systems are described in detail in the Estuary ProcessesStudy.

This EMSP has been developed to:

» Document specific legislation related to the estuary and future estuary management objectives, withsome assessment of local planning controls;

» Summarise the outcomes of the community consultation undertaken as part of the process;

» Identify the essential features of each estuary, including their physical, chemical, ecological,economic, social and aesthetic values;

» Outline the estuary management issues, detailing human interaction and usage, and issues ofconcern;

» Identify and assess appropriate management objectives that will result in the ongoing protection andenhancement of the estuary values; and

» Outline an estuary management plan that details the management strategies and actions necessaryto achieve the management objectives.

1.3 Study and plan objectivesThe development of the EMSP objectives is fundamental to the Estuary Management Process defined bythe NSW Government. The EMSP objectives are outlined below:

» Overview and prioritise the conclusions developed and drawn from the process study;

» Protect and improve estuary habitats including a focus on Endangered Ecological Communities, therehabilitation of degraded areas and the regeneration of aquatic and terrestrial flora communities,including foreshore and riparian areas;

» Maintain and improve existing water quality, encouraging healthy aquatic ecosystems and appropriaterecreational uses;

» Identify stakeholder and community desires and valued objectives for each site;

» Minimise estuary sedimentation and erosion caused by human activities, and flooding impactsresulting in bank erosion;

» Protect and retain areas of Aboriginal and European cultural heritage surrounding and directlyincluding the estuaries;

» Encourage ecologically sustainable development through the denoting of estuarine ecosystem limitsand the identification of inappropriate development;

» Minimise impacts from flooding on existing and future development in accordance with existingcouncil Floodplain Risk Management Plans;

» Maintain or improve the intrinsic value and natural integrity of the local landscape of the estuaries;


» Achieve an appropriate opening regime for each estuary specifically, balancing the problems of waterquality, ecology and flooding;

» Facilitate community education, involving the public regularly in planning and development activities;and

» Develop a plan that is conceptually simple though scientifically accurate, the definition of performancetargets and introduction of audited monitoring programs.

1.4 Study background and processes overviewThis report documents the EMSP and has been developed to identify and expand on the conclusionsand themes documented in the EPS report.

As part of the EPS report, a literature review was completed to identify issues and themes that areconsidered to be integral components affected by, or affecting, the successful management of theWollongong estuary systems. The EPS report also documented the current physical condition andoverall health of the estuaries through an assessment of their aquatic and riparian ecology, basichydrology and geomorphology, together with a review of existing water quality information. Consultationwith key stakeholders was also undertaken to identify community values and concerns relating to theestuary-specific functioning and management of the estuaries, and is documented in this EMSP. Thecommunity consultation was an important component in the subsequent development of appropriatemanagement objectives, strategies and actions for each catchment.

Each estuary system is highly influenced by their location and catchment characteristics. The health ofthe estuary systems can also be significantly impacted by both physical constraints placed upon it andpollution from a range of sources. Many of the estuaries exhibited signs of poor overall ecological aquatichealth by way of high nutrient levels, low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and high levels of faecalcoliforms.

The estuarine reach of most of the estuaries is confined to a narrow corridor extending inland for lessthan 500 m and many were constrained on either bank by foreshore recreational areas (cycleways,footpaths, parkland) or residential development. However, the upper and middle catchment areas ofmost estuaries were associated with extensive urban development with approximately 60-90 % of thecatchment being developed land. Only the northernmost creeks (Hargraves, Stanwell and StoneyCreeks) had little urban or suburban development in the catchments.

The aquatic and riparian flora and fauna surveys completed as part of the EPS identified some of thesignificant ecological values and issues associated with each catchment. The key issues included thepresence and impact of weed invasion of riparian vegetation and areas of Endangered EcologicalCommunities, habitat fragmentation as a result of urban development in the catchment, a paucity ofsuitable habitat for significant native fauna species, and the presence of introduced, non-native faunaspecies, including foxes and the Eastern Mosquitofish or Gambusia.

The diffuse and untreated nature of urban stormwater pollution was identified as contributing high levelsof nutrients to the estuaries, contributing to the likely development of blooms of macroalgae (whichsmother other aquatic habitats such as seagrasses, particularly in Bellambi Lagoon) and alsophytoplankton. Stormwater runoff from industrial areas and contaminated land, plus licensed dischargesfrom industrial sites in the catchments, are also likely to be contributing to poor estuary water quality, withconsequent impacts on the development and maintenance of healthy ecological systems and processes.


Many of the estuaries are used for primary (swimming) and secondary (paddling, fishing, etc)recreational contact, particularly by young children for whom bathing in the surf zone at the beach isconsidered to be unsafe. However, faecal coliform levels in the estuaries may exceed guideline levelsfor primary recreational contact, and may also exceed the guideline levels for secondary recreationalcontact at times, raising concerns over the use of the estuaries for recreational contact activities thatmight result in water being ingested.

The geomorphology assessment of the estuaries identified a number of areas that require managementto prevent or minimise erosion, and included a brief assessment of the accessible upstream freshwaterreaches. Areas of the Stanwell Creek estuary require future management of ongoing erosion thatcurrently threatens road and car park assets, while Whartons Creek has active bed erosion that isforecast to extend should action not be taken to rectify it. Bellambi Lagoon and Bellambi Gully are alsoconsidered to require priority investigation of erosion areas in both the estuarine and freshwater reaches.


2. Policy and Legislative Framework

2.1 OverviewThe objective of this chapter is to establish the context for the EMSP in terms of the legislative frameworkand policy directions of Council and Government.

The chapter is divided into four areas:

» Integrated coastal zone management;

» Wetlands, riparian lands and habitat management;

» Planning documents;

» Natural resource management legislation; and

» Cultural heritage legislation.

2.2 Integrated coastal zone managementCoastal zones are typically sensitive areas where a number of ecosystems exist in a state of balance.The management of such an area is multidisciplinary effort involving a range of ecological, social,cultural, governance and economic considerations. Some key management policies and legislationinclude the following.

2.2.1 NSW Coastal Policy 1997 and Coastal Protection Act 1979

The NSW Coastal Policy seeks to balance population growth and economic development in asustainable way. The Policy aims to reduce the level of impact or risk placed on the natural, cultural,spiritual and heritage values of the coastal environment by incorporating ecologically sustainabledevelopment. One of the Policy’s key themes is coastal water quality and especially estuaries. TheCoastal Protection Act recognises the social and economic benefits to the State resulting fromsustainable use of the coastal environment and aims to provide for the sustainable use of the NSWcoast.

2.2.2 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 71: Coastal Protection

SEPP 71 aims to ensure that development in the NSW coastal zone is appropriate and suitably located.The Policy provides a consistent and strategic approach to coastal planning to ensure a cleardevelopment assessment framework for the coastal zone and protects the coastal area of the estuariesstudied in this plan.

2.2.3 Comprehensive Coastal Assessment

In applying the legislative framework above, the NSW Government uses a Comprehensive CoastalAssessment system to protecting coastal areas. The Government has produced a “ComprehensiveCoastal Assessment Toolkit” to assist councils, government agencies and other stakeholders toundertake strategic land use planning. The Toolkit provide for a three stage process where base lineinformation (stage 1) is used in developing indicators (stage 2) that are then used to measure theperformance of different planning options (stage 3).


2.3 Wetlands, riparian lands and habitat managementWithin the coastal zone there are many individual vegetation communities and ecosystems, includingthose associated with watercourses, that need protection. Specific polices are applied to these areas tocater for their protection.

2.3.1 Wetlands Management Policy 1996

The NSW Government promotes the conservation, sustainable management and use of wetlands anddeveloped the Wetlands Management Policy to reflect this aim. The Policy gives consideration to thebiophysical requirements of wetlands within all NSW Government decision-making and assists inprotecting wetlands in good condition and rehabilitating degraded wetlands where feasible.

2.3.2 Policy and Guidelines – Aquatic Habitat Management and Fish Conservation

The Policy and Guidelines for Aquatic Habitat Management and Fish Conservation is designed toachieve consistent management of aquatic resources in NSW waters. The Policies and Guidelines applyto all planning and development proposals in NSW that affect freshwater, estuarine and marineecosystems. They seek to assist developers, consultants, planners, local councils and other governmentagencies in assessing proposals.

2.3.3 Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948

The Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act protects riparian vegetation and rivers, lagoons, foreshoresand lakes by specifying that a person must not excavate within, in or under land that is the bank, shore orbed of any river, lagoon or lake, or within 40 m of these areas without a permit. The Act protects theestuarine and riparian areas of the estuaries assessed in this Plan.

2.3.4 Fisheries Management Act 1994

The Fisheries Management Act and Regulations ensure that biological diversity is maintained and fishingactivities remain sustainable throughout NSW. The State Government views the State's fisheries as acommunity-owned resource with the onus on users to protect and safeguard this resource. The FM Actrequires that a permit is obtained prior to the undertaking of certain estuary works, including any worksthat will affect mangroves or seagrasses, or obstruct fish passage.

2.3.5 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 14: Coastal Wetlands

SEPP 14 seeks to preserve and protect coastal wetlands for their environmental and economic values.The Policy applies to the Wollongong local government area and identifies over 1300 wetlands of highnatural value along the NSW coastline. The policy restricts land clearing, levee construction, drainagework or filling in any nominated wetland unless Council and the Department of Planning have grantedapproval.

There are 17 wetlands in the surrounds of Lake Illawarra that are protected under this Policy (WCC2002). However none are within the estuaries under the scope of this study.


2.3.6 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 26: Littoral Rainforests

SEPP 26 provides a similar function to SEPP 14 for the preservation and protection of littoral rainforests.Littoral rainforests are a unique habitat that is well suited to harsh salt-laden and drying coastal winds.The Policy requires an environmental impact assessment to be prepared outlining any effects onprotected littoral rainforest areas. The policy applies to 'core' areas of littoral rainforest as well as a 100metre wide 'buffer' area surrounding these core areas with the exception of where residential land existsor where SEPP 14 applies. Wollongong local government area does not contain any littoral rainforestscovered by SEPP 26, however there are many significant stands of this rainforest type in the WollongongLGA, especially on the foreshores and islands of Lake Illawarra (WCC 2002).

2.3.7 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 44: Koala Habitat Protection

This Policy aims to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetationthat provide habitat for koalas, thus reversing the current trend of koala population decline. The Policyencourages the identification and protection of core koala habitat and requires the preparation of plans ofmanagement before development consent can be granted in such areas

The Policy applies to the Wollongong local government area and a survey of listed koala feed treespecies was undertaken at each of the estuaries during the EPS.

2.4 Planning documentsPlanning policies and legislation provide for the orderly development of land. They ensure thatdevelopment proposals are consistent with relevant legislation and ensure the ongoing sustainabledevelopment of an area into the future.

2.4.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment (EP&A) Act 1979

The EP&A Act governs the assessment of development and land use proposals as well as thepreparation of Environmental Planning instruments such as Local, Regional and State EnvironmentalPlans. The Act ensures that the consent authority (usually Council or State Government) consider theenvironmental impacts of new development.

2.4.2 Illawarra Regional Strategy

The Illawarra Regional Strategy was prepared by the Department of Planning in consultation with localcouncils and is a 25-year plan for the strategic development of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiamalocal government areas. The plan provides a strong focus on jobs growth and the sustainable settlementof a fast growing population. The plan envisages an addition 47,600 people living in the area by 2031,requiring 38,000 new dwellings – population growth that will continue to place pressure on sustainabledevelopment within the City’s estuaries.

2.4.3 City of Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 1990

Wollongong’s local environmental plan (LEP) is the primary local planning document that guidesdevelopment in the local government area. The LEP zones land for particular types of use, includingresidential, commercial or industrial areas, open spaces and other protected areas. The LEP identifieswhat types of development are allowed to occur in different zones.


The LEP also identifies standards for subdivision, maximum floor space on blocks of land, and listsheritage items in the City. The LEP has been amended numerous times and is currently subject to amajor review in line with State Government requirements.

Development Control Plan 54 – Managing our Flooding Risks, and the Riparian DCP currently inpreparation provide for specific measures to address the potential impacts of development on floodingrisks and the riparian zone.

2.5 Natural resource management legislationNatural resource management provides for the sustainable use of natural areas to ensure that futuregenerations have equitable access to adequate natural resources. Natural resource legislation is appliedat the Federal, State and local level.

2.5.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999

The EPBC Act is a Commonwealth Act that requires the Federal Environment Minister’s approval for anaction that will, or is likely to, have a detrimental or adverse impact on a matter of National EnvironmentalSignificance (NES) or on Commonwealth Land unless the action is exempt.

Matters of NES currently include World Heritage properties, Ramsar Wetlands, Nationally ThreatenedSpecies and Ecological Communities, Migratory Species, Commonwealth Marine Areas, Nuclear Actionsand Natural Heritage Places.

2.5.2 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

The Threatened Species Conservation Act provides for the protection and conservation of threatenedecological communities, populations and individual species of plants and animals in NSW. The Actidentifies ‘threatened’ species and refers to the test in Section 5A of the Environmental Planning andAssessment Act to assess likely impacts of development on any threatened species, populations orcommunities.

2.5.3 Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act 1997

Pollution control and waste disposal is governed in NSW by the POEO Act. This legislation requires theassessment of certain activities that are likely to have an adverse environmental impact and for anapplication to be made for an Environment Protection Licence.

2.5.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (NW Act)

The Noxious Weeds Act outlines the definition, declaration, and control of noxious weeds throughoutNSW. Local government are responsible for ensuring that the Act is complied with within theirboundaries.

For a plant to be declared a Noxious Weed it must be considered to pose a serious threat to humans,agriculture and/or the environment. There must also be consideration given to the feasibility of controland enforcement of those methods. Plants are declared noxious by order of the Minister for Agriculture.

Land owners or occupiers have obligations under the Act to control any declared weed on their property.Council is required to conduct inspections of private properties to check compliance with the Act andNoxious Weed Officers have the authority to issue control notices for any breach.


2.5.5 Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act)

The Native Vegetation Act provides for the management of native vegetation on a regional basis in thesocial, economic and environmental interests of the State. The Act prevents broadscale clearing unlessunder strict circumstances and protects native vegetation of high conservation value.

The act also seeks to improve the condition of existing native vegetation, particularly where it has highconservation value and to encourage the revegetation or rehabilitation of land with appropriate nativevegetation.

The Act applies to Wollongong LGA and protects native vegetation in the estuaries in areas zoned aspublic open space, conservation and environmental.

2.6 Cultural heritage legislationThe management of cultural heritage items, relics and places ensures that the heritage values areconserved for the benefit of the community. Cultural heritage legislation is applied at the Federal, Stateand local level as described in the following sections.

2.6.1 The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NP&W Act, 1974) provides the primary basis for the legalprotection and management of Aboriginal sites within NSW. The implementation of the Aboriginalheritage provisions of the Act is the responsibility of the Department of Environment and Climate Change(DECC). The Act aims to prevent the unnecessary or unwarranted destruction of relics, and the activeprotection and conservation of relics that are of high cultural significance.

Under Section 87 of the Act, it is an offence to disturb or excavate any land for the purpose ofdiscovering an Aboriginal object, disturb or move an Aboriginal object, or to take possession of orremove an Aboriginal object from certain lands, without a permit from the Director-General of DECC.

2.6.2 The National Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill 2001

Although this Act was passed by both houses of the NSW parliament in 2001, a number of its provisionswith regard to Aboriginal cultural heritage have yet to be gazetted and are not yet law. These include theoffence under section 90 of the NP&W Act, 1974 of ‘knowingly’ destroying, defacing or damagingAboriginal objects and Aboriginal Places without consent will be changed so that the element ofknowledge will be removed. The amended section 90, subsection 1 will read ‘A person must not destroy,deface, damage or desecrate, or cause or permit the destruction, defacement, damage or desecration of,an Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place.’

2.6.3 The NSW Heritage Act (1977)

The purpose of the NSW Heritage Act 1977 is to ensure that the heritage of New South Wales isadequately identified and conserved. In practice the NSW Heritage Act has focused on items and placesof non-indigenous heritage to avoid overlap with the NP&W Act, 1974 which has primary responsibilitiesfor nature conservation and the protection of Aboriginal relics and places in NSW.

The Heritage Act is concerned with all aspects of heritage conservation and recognises two levels ofheritage significance, State significance and Local significance. The Act provides protection to items that


have been identified, assessed and listed on various registers including State government section 170registers, local government LEPs and the State Heritage Register.

2.6.4 The National Trust (NSW)

Whilst the National Trust Register does not provide any statutory obligations for protection of a site, theacknowledgment of a place being listed on the Register as a significant site lends weight to its heritagevalue.

2.6.5 Environmental Planning & Assessment Act (1979)

The Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and its regulations, schedules andassociated guidelines require that environmental impacts, including those to cultural heritage, areconsidered in land use planning and decision making.

2.6.6 Commonwealth Cultural Heritage Legislation

The Environment and Heritage Legislation Amendment Act (No 1) 2003, Australian Heritage Council Act2003, and the Australian Heritage Council (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2003 replacethe previous Commonwealth heritage regime instigated by the Australian Heritage Commission Act1975.

The Acts establish the National Heritage List, which is a schedule of places which the Minister for theEnvironment and Water Resources considers to have ‘National Heritage Value’ based on prescribed‘National Heritage Criteria’. The listing of a place is defined as a ‘matter of national environmentalsignificance’ under the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. As a consequence,the Minister must grant approval prior to the conduct of any proposed actions which will, or are likely tohave, a significant impact on the National Heritage values of a listed place.


3. Community and Stakeholder Consultation

Consultation with state government agencies, local government, industry and local communities wasundertaken to provide an opportunity for stakeholder participation in the estuary management planprocess. Key stakeholders with an interest in the development of the plan were invited to raise issuesand participate in the consultation phase.

The identification of stakeholders was an ongoing process, with consultees being added to the mailinglists when they attended site visits or made contact with GHD or WCC in relation to the study.

3.1 ObjectivesThe objectives of the consultation program included:

» Communicating with the community about the estuary management plan process;

» Providing stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute information and local knowledge;

» Providing stakeholders with an opportunity to identify issues of concern, and potential managementobjectives and strategies that might address their concerns;

» Building trust and relationships between Council and the community; and

» Establishing a mechanism for stakeholders to review, and provide comments on, the draft estuarymanagement plan reports.

3.2 Key StakeholdersKey stakeholders were identified from relevant state government agencies, Council departments, localindustry, Aboriginal groups, environmental and community groups, and representatives from Council’sEstuary Management Committee (EMC), as detailed below:

State Government Departments/Corporations

» Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries (DPI);

» Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC - formerly the Department of Environmentand Conservation)

» Department of Natural Resources (now part of the DECC);

» Department of Planning (DoP);

» Department of Lands (DoL);

» Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA); and

» Sydney Water.

Wollongong City Council

» Estuary Management Committee;

» Works and Services Division;

» Recreation & Natural Resources Division (now Environment and Recreation Division);


» Environment & Health Division;

» City Strategy Division; and

» Floodplain Management Section.

Community and Environment Groups

» Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA);

» Wollongong University (School of Biological Sciences);

» Bellambi Lagoon Protection Society;

» Friends of Towradgi Park;

» Friends of Tom Thumb Lagoon; and

» Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group.

Aboriginal Organisations

» Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council; and

» Northern Illawarra Aboriginal Collective.

Industry

» BlueScope Steel; and

» Illawarra Coke Company Pty Ltd.

3.3 Consultation ActivitiesA range of consultation activities were undertaken during the preparation of the estuary managementplan in order to facilitate the participation of as many interested parties as possible. A summary of theconsultation activities is provided in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Key modes of communication and consultation

Communication Purpose Outcome

Media Notices

A notice was published in the Northern LeaderNewspaper to raise community knowledge aboutthe estuary management planning process, andto invite participation from interested parties.

A total of two peopleresponded to theadvertisement, and raisedcomments relating toStanwell and HargravesCreeks.

Consultation Letters

Consultation letters outlining the estuarymanagement process were sent to all keystakeholders. The letter invited communityparticipation, and provided a range ofmechanisms (phone, fax, email or letter) throughwhich comments could be raised.

A total of 39 representativeswere consulted by letter,and 11 people/groupsresponded (28%).

Estuary EMC meetings were held on 21 March and 28 A total of 22 people


Communication Purpose Outcome

ManagementCommittee (EMC)Meetings

June to provide an opportunity for keystakeholders to learn more about the estuarymanagement process and contribute to thedevelopment of management objectives,strategies and actions.

GHD provided a short presentation on 21 March,outlining the estuary management planningprocess and preliminary findings from the EstuaryProcesses Study.

GHD presented the draft EPS and EMSP to theEMC on 28 June.

The meetings provided an opportunity forrepresentatives to discuss the project directly withWCC staff and GHD.

attended the EMC meetingon 21 March.

A total of 18 peopleattended the EMC meetingon 28 June.

CouncillorPresentation

GHD presented the draft EPS and EMSP toWollongong City Councillors at a briefing on 25June.

Councillors provided inputto the draft documents forincorporation duringfinalisation of the reports.

Site Visit

WCC and GHD hosted a half-day tour of all theestuaries on 1 May 2007, providing stakeholdersthe opportunity to view each estuary, identify theirestuary-specific issues, and gain an appreciationof the issues common to all estuaries. The tourprovided stakeholders with the opportunity todiscuss the proposal directly with the WCC andGHD project managers, and provided a usefulforum for stakeholder feedback.

A total of 12 stakeholdersattended the site visits,including DPI (Fisheries),DECC, SRCMA, DoP, CVA,EMC representatives andCouncillors.

Telephone

GHD’s project manager was available by directtelephone contact for key stakeholders to raiseany issues. GHD followed up letters sent toAboriginal representatives by telephone onseveral occasions but was unsuccessful ineliciting further comments.

A total of four peoplecontacted GHD bytelephone to raise issues tobe addressed in the EMP.

Email

GHD’s project manager was available by directemail contact to handle ongoing queries from keystakeholders and to provide a forum forinformation exchange and registration ofcomment about the EMP.

A total of four peoplecontacted GHD by email toraise issues to beaddressed in the EMP.

3.4 Consultation Issues/CommentsA summary of comments received during the various consultation activities is provided in Table 3.2. Themajority of issues and comments raised are applicable to most or all catchments. Where estuary-specificcomments or issues were raised, these have been noted.


Table 3.2 Summary of consultation responses

Issue Issues and Comments to be Addressed

Siltation and sedimentation resulting in turbidity, suspended solids and organicloading.

Water flow, erosion, sedimentation and stormwater and the actions to mitigatethese impacts.

Urban developments and their effect on water quality.

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommendssource control of pollution within the catchment of Tom Thumb Lagoon.

Granular material used to repair Lower Beach Road is washed during rains into theadjacent Stanwell Creek, resulting in siltation that has significantly reduced thedepth of the creek.

The closure of BlueScope Steel’s Tin Mill has reduced the discharge of processeffluent to Port Kembla and Tom Thumb Lagoon, and might contribute to animprovement in localised water quality.

Approximately 25% of residential properties are still not connected to the PrioritySewerage Program for Coalcliff, Stanwell Park, Otford and Stanwell Tops, resultingin a continued risk of sewerage overflows into Hargraves, Stanwell and StoneyCreeks.

Flushing issues related to an unusual rainfall/runoff relationship as a result ofsmall/short catchments linked to the very steep escarpments.

An ephemeral tributary of Hargraves Creek was reported to consistently have alarge amount of bubbles and a grey colouration following rainfall events. This hasbeen apparent for the last 10 years.

Operational discharges from industry into creeks.

Contaminated sites in some catchments, resulting in impacts due to wasteemplacements.

Nutrient cycling and the impact of sewage overflows

DECC requested that the plan identify and assess current water quality issue foreach estuary and identify actions to improve it. Turbidity, suspended solids, andorganic loadings are key issues. The assessment should address water flow,erosion, sedimentation and stormwater issues and appropriate mitigationmeasures.

Water Quality

DECC recommended that the plan address surrounding landuses, and identify allplaces where water can enter the creek, including runoff, stormwater outlets andlicensed discharge points. The EMP should include actions to minimise anyimpacts from surrounding landuses.

Disturbance of vegetation, particularly Coastal Saltmarsh (EEC).Flora

Limited knowledge of seagrass and aquatic weed interactions.



Mangrove incursion on saltmarsh areas in Tom Thumb Lagoon.

Loss of seagrasses.

Disturbance of Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs).

DPI recommended that the plan identify proposed management/strategies/actionsto address current impacts on aquatic habitats, such as rehabilitation of aquatichabitats and the riparian zone through creation of riparian buffer zones, replantingwith native vegetation and weed removal, controls and restrictions on foreshoredevelopment and unauthorised structures and access points, and measures tomonitor and improve water quality (including monitoring programs, installation ofstormwater controls, gross pollutant traps, and sediment basins).

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommendsweed control and ongoing bush regeneration.

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommends thediversification of terrestrial plant species along wetland margins.

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommends theremoval of mangroves from outside the mangrove zone.

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommendsminor earthworks improvements, including the creation of seagrass beds.

DPI requested that the plan provide a description and the current status of aquatichabitats (mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh, wetlands, riparian vegetation) and keyaquatic species (including any threatened species listed under the FM Act) locatedin each creek or lagoon and their regional significance.

Loss of nursery habitat for fish stocks.

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommends thecreation of Green and Golden Bell Frog ponds.

Analysis of current adverse impacts upon all aquatic habitats (both direct andindirect) from human use and activities and developments in the catchment.

Protection of dune corridors behind Bellambi Lagoon beach, which provideimportant habitat connectivity.

Fauna

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommends thecontrol of feral animals, where possible.

Protection of habitat for the Green and Golden Bell Frog at Bellambi Lagoon andTom Thumb Lagoon.

Ensure Bellambi Lagoon islands are maintained to provide protected nestinghabitat for threatened bird species.Threatened

Species HabitatDECC recommends that the plan include an assessment of threatened species,EECs, endangered populations and key threatening processes, as well as anyrecovery plans.



DECC recommended that consultation with Aboriginal communities be undertaken,and that the plan identify the nature and extent of Aboriginal cultural heritagevalues across the study area, and ensure no works impact on these sites.Aboriginal

Heritage Protection of the Aboriginal birthing site on the eastern side of Bellambi Lagoon,including skeletons of children, plus middens and other sites along the beach anddune area.

Concern with artificial entrance opening regimes and it’s impacts on lagoonecology, particularly at Bellambi Lagoon.

DECC recommends that the plan include a description of the current situation andhistory of entrance opening of each estuary, plus an assessment of potentialimpacts, including but not limited to, bank erosion, longevity of artificial opening,alteration of the natural tidal flow and potential odour impacts.

Residents would like to see a return to a natural regime of entrance openings,stating that artificial openings do not improve water quality or odour, and disturbsoils, flora and fauna.

Opening lagoons by digging channels to improve surf conditions should bepenalized by fines.

Artificial EntranceOpenings

DPI recommended that the plan identify proposed measures for dealing with anyartificial openings of estuary entrances (eg. development of entrance managementpolicies).

Sydney Water requires vehicle and foot access for maintenance and inspection ofwater and sewerage infrastructure.

Vehicles should not be permitted on the beaches. Gates should be provided tolimit access.

Access

Unauthorised beach access points should be controlled and restricted.

Controls and restrictions should be developed for foreshore development andunauthorised structures.

Dunes should be maintained to provide storm protection and natural function.Development

Development close to the edge of creeks, without consideration of flood risks orimpacts from natural estuary processes, should be minimised.

Council should take into consideration soils when planning coastal developments.

Acid Sulphate Soils are present in some catchments, their disturbance would havepotential impacts.

CoastalGeomorphology

Dredging of lagoons might disturb Acid Sulphate Soils.

Hydrology All three tributaries of Stoney Creek are dammed for the supply of water to theIllawarra Coke Company Pty Ltd, resulting in a non-natural hydrological response.



DPI recommended that the plan identify proposed strategies/actions for detailingthe impacts of sea level rise.

The relationship between entrance openings and flooding should be addressed.

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommends themonitoring of tidal heights if the causeway across Gurungaty Waterway at PortKembla is removed.

Water quality concerns relating to the use of the estuaries for primary andsecondary recreational activities, particularly for small children.

Estuaries in the past were safe for swimmers, fishers, canoeists and naturaltraining facilities for lifesavers.

The public is warned not to swim in the adjacent surf when the lagoon breaks out,but there are no notices warning the public of swimming in the lagoon areas.

Estuaries are used to swim and wade, therefore there is a requirement toundertake more adequate water quality monitoring to determine faecal coliformsand heavy metal contamination.

DPI recommended that the plan identify proposed strategies/actions for improvingthe quality of recreational fishing.

Proposed future research studies of aquatic ecology in the estuaries.

Recreation /Human Health

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommends theestablishment and maintenance of public amenity features in Tom Thumb Lagoononce any safety risk has been addressed.

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommends ageotechnical investigation of the old landfill (adjacent to Tom Thumb Lagoon), andits impacts on public health and ecosystems, specifically groundwater and surfacewater leaching into the saltmarsh of Tom Thumb Lagoon, plus implementation ofany recommendations.

Investigate options for the removal of a causeway located across GurungatyWaterway at Port Kembla.

Need more regular testing of water quality within the lagoons to see wherechanges are occurring.

Details of when and how fish use lagoons as part of their breeding cycle, plus fishdietary requirements and their movement patterns.

The altering state of sea grasses and other aquatic vegetation within the lagoons.

The effect of blooms of green algae on other aquatic life within the lagoon.

Information Gaps

The importance of many invertebrates within the lagoon at the bottom of the foodchain, and effect of increased lagoon flushing due to increase rain runoff due tourbanisation.



CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommendsimproved monitoring and reporting of estuary processes.

DPI recommended that the plan identify proposed future research studies foraquatic ecology.

Implementation of EMP recommendations required.

CVA noted that the Plan of Management for Tom Thumb Lagoon recommends thedevelopment of a strategic plan to develop partnerships between the community,business and government, to implement on-ground works and manage the ongoingrehabilitation of Tom Thumb Lagoon.

Measures to monitor and improve water quality (such as monitoring programs,installation of stormwater controls, gross pollutant traps and sediment basins) arerequired.

DPI noted that Fish Habitat Rehabilitation grants of up to $30,000 are available tocommunity groups and Councils to undertake works on a dollar-for-dollar basis (orin-kind contribution). Management Plan actions may be eligible for this funding.

Future Planning

DPI noted that any future works might require approval from DPI, particularly thoseinvolving dredging, excavation, reclamation or filling works within a waterway, or forthe removal or damage of any marine vegetation (including mangroves,seagrasses or macroalgae).

3.5 Public ExhibitionThe draft Estuary Management Study and Plan was placed on public exhibition from 17 September to31 October 2007. The document was made publicly available on Wollongong City Council’s website, atthe front desk of Council’s Environment and Health Division and at Helensburgh, Thirroul, Bulli, Corrimal,Central and Mobile libraries. The public exhibition was widely publicised in the local media.

Four community workshops were held during the public exhibition to provide the community with anopportunity to contribute to the development of the plan, and written submissions from the communitywere also encouraged.

Revisions to the draft Estuary Management Study and Plan were made, in consultation with the EstuaryManagement Committee, to address community comments received during the public exhibition period.

A detailed account of the public exhibition process, the various community consultation processesundertaken during it, community responses received, and actions taken to address the responses, isprovided in the Submissions in Reply Report (GHD, 2007b).


4. Estuary Management Issues

This section identifies the estuary values, significance, essential features and uses, and document bothgeneral and estuary-specific issues of concern.

4.1 Estuary values, significance and essential featuresEstuary values and essential features can be categorised into physical, ecological, economic and socialcategories, for which regional and national significance can be determined.

The Wollongong estuary systems are unique in their function and form, with all except for Tom ThumbLagoon being intermittently closed and open lagoons (ICOLLs). The variable condition of their entrancesmakes them susceptible to human influences, with entrances occasionally being artificially opened tominimise the potential social and economic impacts associated with the flooding of surroundingproperties.

This unique form and function of the estuary systems are in some cases important to populations ofendangered species of flora and fauna, increasing the ecological values and regional significance ofseveral of the estuaries. Of particular note are the endangered ecological communities at HargravesCreek, Stanwell Creek, Collins Creek, Bellambi Gully, Bellambi Lagoon and Tom Thumb Lagoon.

Many of the lagoons are likely to contain places or items of Aboriginal heritage significance, and this iswell documented for Bellambi Lagoon. Areas of non-indigenous heritage significance also exist withinthe catchments of Hargraves Creek, Flanagans Creek, and Bellambi Lagoon. The heritage value ofthese areas are locally significant and associated with either the landscape or with architectural designsand heritage buildings.

The economic significance of each estuary system can be attributed to expenditure associated withtourism, recreation, surrounding developable land, and sport. The estuaries provide valuable tourist andrecreational areas and add to the regional and national appeal of the Wollongong area. There arenumerous large recreation areas within many of the catchments, and particularly near the estuaryentrances at the foreshore. These recreational areas provide significant economic benefit for local clubs,with numerous ovals and playing fields along the coastline, and provide an excellent recreation resourceto the local community. These areas also provide additional flood storage in the event of major rainfallevents.

The availability of developable land is an important issue within many high-density urban areas. TheWollongong area is further constrained by the presence of the high gradient slopes of the escarpment.Consequently, urban development in the catchments of the estuaries has often been maximised byconstructing up to the banks of the creeks. This has resulted in many of the creeks (with the exception ofHargraves, Stanwell and Stoney Creeks) being extensively modified and straightened. The resultingsteep banks often have little remnant native vegetation and are prone to erosion during high flow events.Many of the local soils are also susceptible to erosion, resulting in an elevated risk of severe bankerosion.

The geomorphology of the estuaries provides a significant flood storage volume that assists inminimising flood impacts to surrounding areas, and acts essentially as a detention basin. This functionprovides a valuable economic benefit to the local community.


Estuarine areas can provide very important fish breeding and nursery habitats that can contribute to theoverall abundance and health of the local fish stocks, and could be expected to have an indirecteconomic influence on the value of the local commercial and recreational fisheries.

From a social perspective, the estuaries are highly valued for their recreational potential, which includesprimary (swimming) and secondary (paddling, wading) recreational activities, together with otheractivities including fishing, kayaking, walking, picnicking and exercise.

4.2 Estuary usesThe estuaries are utilised for many different purposes, and provide value to the wider community throughthe provision of a water resource to industry (Stoney Creek), recreational resource to the local population(most estuaries) and a range of other environmental, social and economic values.

The estuaries are used for primary recreational activities such as swimming, secondary recreationalactivities such as paddling and wading, and more passive recreation, such as picnicking and fishing. Themajority of the primary and secondary contact recreational activities occur in the downstream lagoon andtidal areas, where the water quality often fails to meet the appropriate ANZECC guideline levels.Stanwell and Hargraves Creeks and their associated parks and foreshores also provide popularrecreational areas. Vegetated areas surrounding many of the estuaries also provide recreationalopportunities. In the case of Bellambi Lagoon, the impacts of inappropriate levels of recreational usageare particularly noticeable, and include a network of informal tracks created by trail bikers and walkers.The management of such activities, to prevent further degradation of the riparian vegetation and habitatfringing the estuaries, should be an important objective. Overall, the estuaries have a high recreationalvalue, with Hargraves, Stanwell and Stoney Creeks, plus Bellambi Lagoon, providing the highestrecreational value.

Development in the middle reaches of the catchments of many of the estuaries is predominantlyresidential but includes areas of commercial and light industrial development. The tributaries of StoneyCreek, which rise on the escarpment, are all impounded by the Illawarra Coke Company for the supply ofwater for use in the cokeworks. This is likely to have potential effects on the natural hydrological regimeof the system that could, in turn, influence estuary conditions through reduced flushing. In contrast, theestuary of Tom Thumb Lagoon is almost entirely urbanised, and receives stormwater from theWollongong CBD. The estuary is located within the heavy industrial area of Port Kembla and has beenconsiderably modified over the last several decades from surrounding industrial development andreclamation. As a consequence the estuary has been substantially reduced in area, and receives stormwater and other drainage from the surrounding industry, plus leachate from the old landfill to the north.Tom Thumb Lagoon also serves as a potentially important nursery area for fish and other aquatic/marinespecies, and is used by the local community as a foot and bicycle commuter corridor.

4.3 General issues of concernIssues of concern in relation to the maintenance and improvement of estuary processes and conditioninclude water quality, the conservation of remnant vegetation and fauna species, improvements in thefish communities and stabilisation of bank erosion problems.

Water quality was identified as being of concern for most estuaries, with all being unsuitable for primary,and sometimes secondary, recreational contact. The majority also have low dissolved oxygensaturation values and high nutrient concentrations. These levels can be attributed to a number of


significant factors influencing the overall health of the estuaries, including the development of thecatchment which contributes to urban stormwater, gross pollutants, sedimentation from poor constructionmanagement practices, plus sewage overflows during periods of high rainfall.

Some of the estuaries contain Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs), including CoastalSaltmarsh, Swamp Oak Floodplain and Bangalay Sand Forest. The EECs are subject to weed invasion,human disturbance and the encroachment of development. Areas of Coastal Saltmarsh were observedat six estuaries, Swamp Oak Floodplain at three estuaries and Bangalay Sand Forest at one estuary.State and Commonwealth legislation seeks to ensure the conservation and/or recovery of thesecommunities through the development of appropriate management options.

Bellambi Lagoon contains a known area of Aboriginal heritage significance, and many of the otherlagoons are also likely to contain such areas. The ongoing management and protection of areas ofcultural heritage (including European heritage) is an issue of concern to the local community.

Untreated stormwater runoff can impact on a wide range of important estuary processes potentiallyinfluencing the overall health of any given system. Runoff can convey contaminants and pollutants intothe estuary systems in concentrations and volumes that exceed the assimilation capacity of the system.Potential contaminants include gross pollutants, nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides andpetroleum hydrocarbons. Due to the large number of sources, the effective management of urban runoffis difficult to achieve, and it is usually very expensive to retrofit treatment systems into the existing urbanlandscape.

The majority of the estuaries were found to have little bank erosion, although isolated sections ofmoderate to highly active erosion were identified. Although the majority of the banks were stable, thechannelisation and steep gradient of the banks, combined with the loss of native riparian vegetation, islikely to be associated with increased risk of bank erosion and slumping. The modification of channelgeomorphology is also likely to have an impact on the hydraulic characteristics of the waterwaycompared to original conditions.

The management of estuary entrances is a complicated issue that may affect not only flooding impactsbut also the ecological functioning of the system, particularly in relation to aquatic vegetation and fishcommunities. Although more than 50% of NSW ICOLLs are subject to artificial entrance breakout toprevent inundation of surrounding land, thereby minimising the economic impacts of flooding (Haines,2006), local communities differ in their opinion of artificial openings. The artificial opening of estuaryentrances can create an interruption of the natural hydraulic regime of ICOLLs, and can modify otherphysical, biological and chemical processes that can result in adverse impacts, including theterrestrialisation of estuarine wetlands and foreshores (Haines, 2006). In addition, the reduction of theartificial opening of coastal lagoons is identified by the Healthy Rivers Commission as an integral goal oftheir Coastal Lakes Strategy and hence critical to its inclusion to the management study and plan (HRC,2002). The future management of openings is also important as predicted sea level rises will increaseberm heights through normal coastal processes, which will in turn raise the maximum water level ofICOLLs, further threatening properties.

The provision of an adequate buffer zone between urban development and estuaries would be beneficialin attempts to maintain the natural functioning of ICOLLs, and represents a compromise betweenenvironmental and economic values.

Careful management of the estuaries will be required to ensure that potential conflicts between economicand environmental values are resolved effectively, particularly given the increasing pressures imposed


upon ICOLLs by continuing coastal development, population growth and climate change. Theimplementation of estuary-specific management objectives, strategies and actions will assist in ensuringthe maintenance of the future functionality, viability and amenity of these important coastal features.

4.4 Specific issues of concernEstuary-specific issues identified during the Estuary Processes Study are summarised below.

4.4.1 Hargraves Creek

The AWT (1999) survey data indicated that faecal contamination was particularly high at HargravesCreek, particularly during wet weather periods, and was likely to be associated with sewage overflows.Prior to the commissioning of the new sewerage scheme the faecal coliform levels exceeded thesecondary recreational contact guideline limit. Approximately 75% of residences have since beenconnected to the new sewerage scheme, but the remaining 25% of properties continue to pose a risk towater quality in the creek. Sydney Water implemented a water quality monitoring program in late 2006 toassess the effectiveness of the scheme in improving water quality. This estuary also has elevatednutrient levels. Consideration should be given to repeating the 1999 AWT macroinvertebrate monitoringstudy to assess current conditions and identify any improvements since construction of the seweragescheme.

The presence of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC is of note, and management actions to monitor and managepotential weed invasion are required, together with the management of noxious weeds, and theconservation of potential habitats for several threatened amphibian and bird species.

The management of a significant area of ground disturbance upstream of Stanwell Tops, which is apotential sediment source, is also required.

4.4.2 Stanwell Creek

The AWT (1999) survey data indicated that faecal contamination was particularly high at Stanwell Creek,particularly during wet weather periods, and was likely to be associated with sewage overflows. Prior tothe commissioning of the new sewerage scheme the faecal coliform levels exceeded the secondaryrecreational contact guideline limit. Approximately 75% of residences have since been connected to thenew sewerage scheme, but the remaining 25% of properties continue to pose a risk to water quality inthe creek. Sydney Water implemented a water quality monitoring program in late 2006 to assess theeffectiveness of the scheme in improving water quality. Consideration should be given to repeating the1999 AWT macroinvertebrate monitoring study to assess current conditions and identify anyimprovements since construction of the sewerage scheme.

The presence of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC is of note, and managementactions to monitor and manage potential weed invasion are required, together with the management ofnoxious weeds, and the conservation of potential habitats for several threatened amphibian and birdspecies.

4.4.3 Stoney Creek

The AWT (1999) survey data indicated that faecal contamination was particularly high at Stoney Creek,particularly during wet weather periods, and was likely to be associated with sewage overflows. Prior to


the commissioning of the new sewerage scheme the faecal coliform levels exceeded the secondaryrecreational contact guideline limit. Approximately 75% of residences have since been connected to thenew sewerage scheme, but the remaining 25% of properties continue to pose a risk to water quality inthe creek. Sydney Water implemented a water quality monitoring program in late 2006 to assess theeffectiveness of the scheme in improving water quality. Consideration should be given to repeating the1999 AWT macroinvertebrate monitoring study to assess current conditions and identify anyimprovements since construction of the sewerage scheme.

Water quality and the hydrological functioning of the creek are likely to have been affected by theimpoundment of the headwater tributaries on the escarpment by the Illawarra Coke Company, togetherwith any industrial discharges from the site.

4.4.4 Flanagans Creek

Flanagans Creek has generally elevated nutrient, total nitrogen, ammonia and nitrate levels, while faecalcoliforms levels generally exceed the primary recreational contact guidelines. The poor water quality isconfirmed by the low macroinvertebrate diversity, which is characteristic of urbanised catchments, waterquality problems and/or loss of riparian habitat.

The catchment is affected by the loss of fauna and riparian habitat through clearing, weed invasion andurban development, and a short reach has been subject to recent riparian vegetation removal and minorbank erosion. The hydrological regime of the creek has been affected by the straightening of the creeknear the entrance.

4.4.5 Slacky Creek

Slacky Creek has poor water quality characterised by low dissolved oxygen levels and elevated totalnitrogen, ammonia and nitrate levels. The levels of manganese are also of concern for recreationalpurposes. The poor water quality is confirmed by the low macroinvertebrate diversity, which ischaracteristic of urbanised catchments, water quality problems and/or loss of riparian habitat.

The catchment is affected by the loss of fauna and riparian habitat through clearing, weed invasion andurban development.

The creek has approximately 100 m of minimally active, localized erosion of both banks, and some in-channel deposition of tailing-like sediments that may indicate erosion of upstream fill deposits.

4.4.6 Whartons Creek

The water quality at Whartons Creek is characterised by low dissolved oxygen levels, and elevated totalnitrogen, nitrate, phosphorus, copper and zinc levels. Faecal coliform levels generally exceed theprimary recreational contact guidelines. The poor water quality is confirmed by a low macroinvertebratediversity.

The estuarine reach of the catchment has been extensively cleared of native riparian vegetation, and thebanks have been extensively modified and are now vegetated by Kikuyu grass. The whole catchment isaffected by the loss of fauna and riparian habitat through clearing, weed invasion and urbandevelopment.

Although the estuarine reach of the catchment is generally stable, with only a short section of minimallyactive erosion, there is a significant erosion head (with moderately active erosion downstream) located in


the freshwater reach, and a reported area of severe erosion on a tributary of Whartons Creek adjacent toCorrie Road. Both would benefit from attention in the short term.

4.4.7 Collins Creek

Collins Creek water quality is relatively poor and is reflected in the elevated levels of total nitrogen,nitrate, phosphorus, copper and zinc levels in some reaches. Faecal coliform levels generally exceedthe primary recreational contact guidelines. The poor water quality is reflected by the lowmacroinvertebrate diversity.

The catchment is affected by the loss of fauna and riparian habitat through clearing, weed invasion andurban development, and of particular note is the potential effect on the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC.Although the catchment has been affected by the loss of fauna and riparian habitat, revegetation hasbeen undertaken in places.

Areas of potential erosion, particularly on the outside of bends, are present throughout the reachdownstream of the railway crossing, downstream of Thirroul Street, and downstream of a footbridge atWoonoona High School.

4.4.8 Bellambi Gully

The water quality in Bellambi Gully is characterised by elevated pH, conductivity, BOD, COD, ammonia,suspended solids, nutrients, copper and zinc. Faecal coliform levels generally exceed the primaryrecreational contact guidelines. The creek receives runoff and discharges from Bellambi Coal Company,Russel Vale waste disposal area and urban development. The low macroinvertebrate diversity isindicative of an urbanised catchment, water quality problems and/or loss of riparian habitat.

The catchment has been affected by the loss of fauna and riparian habitat through clearing and urbandevelopment but it still provides potential habitat for threatened amphibians (Green and Golden Bell Frogand Red-crowned Toadlet) and threatened birds (Australasian Bittern, Black Bittern and foraging habitatfor owls).

The potential decline and/or weed invasion of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC, plus the conservation of themangroves, are of importance to the continued ecological functioning of the estuary.

The estuary banks are unstable and/or eroding in numerous places, including immediately upstream ofthe rail crossing, Gladstone Street and Brompton Road, upstream and downstream of the footbridge, andimmediately downstream of the Princes Highway and the Northern Distributor.

4.4.9 Bellambi Lagoon

The water quality at Bellambi Lagoon is generally worse at the northern end than at its mouth, with lowdissolved oxygen levels possibly related to stormwater discharges at the northern end. Elevateddissolved oxygen levels near the entrance might be associated with the presence of algal blooms, whichoxygenate the water during the day, but can cause severe oxygen depletion during the night or when thebloom dies and decomposes. Nutrients including total nitrogen, ammonia and phosphorus were alsoelevated, together with the heavy metals, copper and zinc. Faecal coliform levels generally exceed theprimary recreational contact guidelines in the northern part of the lagoon.

Bellambi Lagoon has the highest level of biodiversity of the creeks studies, and includes CoastalSaltmarsh, Swamp Oak Floodplain and Bangalay Sand Forest EECs, potential habitat for threatened


amphibians (Green and Golden Bell Frog), threatened birds (Australasian Bittern, Black Bittern andforaging habitat for owls), and hollow bearing trees and potential foraging habitat for a variety of birdsand mammals. The Lagoon also provides limited seagrass habitat, which is an important habitat nurseryand breeding for fish.

Issues of particular concern for the continued conservation and improvement of the high biodiversityvalues include weed infestation, loss of natural flora and fauna, loss of habitat for endangered faunaspecies, introduced fauna preying on native fauna, water quality and macroalgae impacts on seagrasses,water quality impacts from urban development, impacts from inappropriate recreational activities, andbank stability issues.

Bellambi Lagoon is a highly valued Aboriginal site. Measures to conserve the cultural heritage value ofthe area could include minimising dune erosion, and reducing the damage caused by inappropriaterecreational activities, such as the use of trail bikes, setting of bushfires, and the creation and widening ofinformal tracks.

Upstream reaches of the creek are highly constrained by development between the Princes Highway andthe Northern Distributor and are likely to be experiencing moderate to high degrees of channel instability.The northern bank of the entrance is suffering severe erosion from wind and wave action, and efforts tominimise this would be beneficial to the long term conservation of the Aboriginal middens in that area.

4.4.10 Tom Thumb Lagoon

The water quality at Tom Thumb Lagoon is poor, and characterised by elevated suspended solids, likelyto be a natural consequence of tidal movements, and elevated nitrate levels, possibly associated withleachate from the decommissioned landfill site at Greenhouse Park. Elevated levels of all heavy metals(except arsenic) exceed the ANZECC guideline trigger values, and are likely to be associated with long-term contamination of sediments by the surrounding heavy industry. Indirect pollution from airbornecontaminants also impact upon the estuary system, (Eco Logical; 2006), and the system also receivesstormwater from Wollongong CBD. Although faecal coliform levels are relatively good, the lagoon doesreceive sewage overflows during wet weather.

Tom Thumb Lagoon has areas of Coastal Saltmarsh and Swamp Oak Floodplain EECs; the Swamp OakForest provides potential foraging habitat for a variety of birds and mammals. The lagoon also haspotential habitat for the threatened Green and Golden Bell Frog. The extensive mangrove communityprovides an important nursery habitat for important fish species, but in some areas is competing with theCoastal Saltmarsh EEC and may therefore require active management to prevent the EEC beingadversely affected.

Issues of particular concern for the continued conservation and improvement of the biodiversity valuesinclude weed infestation, management of habitat for endangered fauna species, introduced faunapreying on native fauna, and water quality impacts from urban and industrial development.

The banks of the lagoon are generally stable, with no moderate to highly active bank erosion. However,scour and channelisation is evident across the floor of the saltmarsh flat in the western arm and wouldbenefit from monitoring.


5. Objectives for Future Management

5.1 IdentificationWollongong City Council has established an Estuary Management Committee (EMC) to assist in thepreparation and implementation of Estuary Management Plans in accordance with the NSWGovernment’s Estuary Management Policy.

An Estuary Processes Study (EPS) has been undertaken for the ten small estuaries to investigate theirterrestrial and aquatic ecological values, plus their geomorphology and hydrodynamics. The EPS alsoreviewed available water quality data, and incorporated preliminary consultation with interested parties(GHD, 2007).

The Estuary Management Committee has agreed to proceed to the development of an EstuaryManagement Study and Preparation of an Estuary Management Plan, to build on the informationgathered through the EPS, which identified a series of issues and knowledge gaps, and proposed furtherstudies and management actions.

Council, DECC (formerly DNR) and GHD prepared a preliminary series of draft management objectivesfor consideration during this study. The draft objectives were presented and discussed at a Councillorbriefing on 25 June 2007 and at a meeting of the Estuary Management Committee on 28 June 2007.Comments on the draft objectives were taken into consideration during finalisation of the managementobjectives, which were subsequently adopted by the Estuary Management Committee. The adoptedmanagement objectives are presented in Section 5.2.

5.2 Adopted ObjectivesThe Estuary Management Committee adopted the management objectives detailed in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 Draft Management Objectives

Draft ManagementObjective Description

Habitat and SpeciesConservation

Protect, retain and improve existing habitat of value (EECs, habitat forthreatened species, aquatic habitat), rehabilitate areas of degradedhabitat, and improve habitat connectivity where appropriate andachievable. Regenerate aquatic, foreshore and riparian vegetationcommunities.

Water QualityMaintain and improve existing water quality such that it supports ahealthy aquatic ecosystem and allows appropriate recreational useand visual amenity.

Sedimentation andErosion

Minimise estuary sedimentation and erosion caused by humanactivities and flooding throughout the freshwater and estuarine reachesof the catchment.

Cultural Heritage Protect and retain areas of Aboriginal and European cultural heritagewithin and adjacent to the estuaries.


Draft ManagementObjective Description

Sustainable DevelopmentPromote ecologically sustainable development, recognising the finitecapacity of estuarine ecosystems. Recognise and manage or mitigatethe impacts of inappropriate development.

RecreationEncourage and provide facilities for appropriate recreational use of theestuary, foreshore and catchment, while protecting and improvingecosystem viability.

Flooding Minimise the impact of flooding on existing and future development inaccordance with Council’s Floodplain Risk Management Plans, whilemaintaining and, where possible, improving ecosystem viability.

Visual Amenity Maintain or improve the natural integrity and visual experience of thelandscape from the waterway and from catchment vantage points.

Estuary EntranceIdentify and, where appropriate, implement an appropriate openingregime for each estuary to address flooding, water quality andecological concerns.

Information andCommunications

Involve local communities in estuary management through education,awareness raising, consultation and participation.

Implementation,Monitoring and Review

Implement the EMP to achieve identified performance targets andmonitor implementation to audit performance and adapt managementstrategies where necessary.


6. Development and Assessment of FutureManagement Strategies

6.1 Identification of management strategiesManagement strategies and actions were developed to achieve and address each managementobjective. The strategies and actions were developed through a consultative process with Councillors,Council, DECC and the EMC, taking into consideration the issues raised through the communityconsultation process.

6.2 Description of management strategiesThe draft management strategies and associated draft management actions are detailed in Tables 6.1-6.11. Each management action has been assigned a unique number to allow cross referencing betweentables. Some management actions address more than one management objective or strategy and this isindicated by duplication of the management action in the relevant tables.


Table 6.1 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Habitat and Species Conservation

Management Strategy ManagementAction No Management Action Estuary1 Responsibility

& Involvement Priority2

Protect key estuarine aquatic andintertidal habitats through the

development control and statutoryplanning processes

1Ensure estuaries are appropriately zoned (prohibiting certain development types), dedicated and/orreserved, and appropriate development controls are implemented. Review all zonings and update

to reflect the new LEP template zonings.All estuaries WCC H

In progress



2Where alternative siting for a development is not appropriate, adopt the principle of environmental

compensation in the approval process for any activity that causes unavoidable damage to anyestuarine habitat or catchment habitat that is of importance to the estuary.

All estuaries WCC L



3Review public ownership of foreshore and riparian areas whenever opportunities arise through

rezoning, development approvals or acquisition (including like-for-like contributions fromdevelopers/landowners)

All estuaries WCC H



4

Introduce appropriate zoning or an LEP clause requiring consent from Council for any developmentwithin reserves and buffer zones, except for fencing, revegetation or any works contained in an

Estuary Management Plan and prohibiting certain development types altogether. Requiredevelopment consent for all land uses that potentially have adverse impacts on estuarineecosystems and prohibit development with impacts that cannot be reasonably mitigated.

All estuaries WCC HIn progress



5 Adopt riparian objectives and control measures as detailed in Council’s Riparian DevelopmentControl Plan. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA H



6 Negotiate property vegetation plans and property management plans with owners of land withvegetation communities and/or ecological communities of significant conservation value. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA H

Protect, and enhance access to,fish breeding, nursery or

recruitment habitat7 Investigate the potential impacts on estuarine ecology and water quality of barriers to fish passage,

and modify/remove as appropriate. TTL, SL WCC, CVA, DPI H


recruitment habitat8 Carry out snag removal only where risks to public safety occur. All estuaries WCC, DPI L


recruitment habitat9 Investigate and protect areas of valuable fish nursery habitat (seagrasses and mangroves),

including an assessment of the implications of water quality and macroalgae on seagrasses. BL, TTL WCC, CVA, DPI H

Improve/restore aquatic,foreshore and riparian vegetation 10 Restrict or control access to sensitive estuarine habitats whilst providing appropriate access points

for authorised users. All estuaries WCC, CVA,SRCMA M

Improve/restore aquatic,foreshore and riparian vegetation 11 Remove non-native and noxious species and revegetate and regenerate using local native species. All estuaries WCC, CVA,

SRCMA H




Improve/restore aquatic,foreshore and riparian vegetation 12 Protect mangroves from human access/trampling and weed invasion. BG, BL, TTL WCC, CVA,

SRCMA M

Improve/restore aquatic,foreshore and riparian vegetation 13 Consider the impacts of climate change (particularly sea level rise) in the assessment of proposed

developments, and when identifying and prioritising sites for regeneration works. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA L

Improve stream bank stability 14 Establish and maintain well-vegetated riparian zones using appropriate local native riparianvegetation in accordance with floodplain management objectives and Sydney Water infrastructure. StoC, FC, WC WCC, SRCMA H

Improve stream bank stability 15Investigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep riparian corridor with improved

habitats in accordance with floodplain management objectives, whilst providing access toauthorised users.

FC, SLWC, CC, BG WCC, SRCMA H

Monitor feral animal populations 16 Investigate and implement actions to reduce feral species, if warranted. BL, TTL WCC L

Manage pedestrian and vehicularaccess to sensitive riparian and

aquatic habitats17 Formalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered ecological communities

and the habitats of protected species, through provision of boardwalks and fencing. StaC, BG, BL, HC WCC, SRCMA M


aquatic habitats18 Relocate or control access to existing informal paths to minimize impacts on the sensitive

vegetation or habitats. BL WCC, SRCMA H


aquatic habitats19 Erect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species, habitats &

vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of artificial entrance openings, etc. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA H

Protect the potential riparian andin-stream habitat for the Red

Crowned Toadlet (in thefreshwater reaches)

20 Protect potential riparian habitat for the Red Crowned Toadlet by minimsing disturbance to theupper reaches of the creeks HC, StaC, BG, BL WCC, DECC,

SRCMA M

Protect and enhance the potentialriparian habitat for the Green and

Golden Bell Frog21 Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat by fencing and revegetating to

create buffer zones.HC, StaC, CC, BG,

BL, TTLWCC, CVA,

DECC, SRCMA M


Golden Bell Frog22

Enhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by creating additionalfreshwater habitats, revegetating appropriately and controlling invasive weeds to maintain existing

vegetation.

HC, StaC, CC, BG,BL, TTL

WCC, CVA,DECC, SRCMA M


Golden Bell Frog23 Investigate, and where possible implement, measures to control or eradicate the introduced

Mosquito fish. FC, CC, BG, BL WCC, DECC L

Protect the potential foraginghabitat for threatened birds(Sooty Owl, Powerful Owl,

Barking Owl).

24Further investigate the importance of the potential habitat to the species' potential presence in thearea, including an assessment of the linkages the site provides for the species between ecological

resources across the broader landscape.HC, StaC, BG, BL WCC, DECC H




Protect the potential foraginghabitat for threatened birds(Sooty Owl, Powerful Owl,

Barking Owl).

25Retain large stands of native and riparian vegetation, identify and protect any hollow-bearing trees

and retain younger recruitment trees to replace older trees in the long-term, through implementationof DCPs and DA approval process.

HC, StaC, BG, BL WCC, DECC HIn progress

Protect the potential habitat forthe threatened Sooty

Oystercatcher26

Reduce disturbance to coastal feeding, nesting and roosting areas by implementing a protectionzone around it (500m radius), and restricting beach-combing, fishing, dog-walking, horse-riding,

4WD vehicles and other disturbing activities in the immediate vicinity of the potential habitat.StaC WCC, DECC L

Protect the potential habitat for allspecies of threatened shorebirds

and migratory waders.19 Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of the importance of the

potential habitat for all species of threatened shorebirds and migratory waders. All estuaries WCC, DECC H

Protect the potential habitat forthreatened birds (Australasian

Bittern and Black Bittern).24

Further investigate the importance of the potential habitat to the species' potential presence in thearea, including an assessment of the linkages the site provides for the species between ecological

resources across the broader landscape.BG, BL WCC, DECC H


Bittern and Black Bittern).27 Protect and manage potential habitat by creating buffer zones around it (with vegetation or through

maintenance of high water levels) to minimise risk of human disturbance. BG, BL WCC, DECC,SRCMA H


Bittern and Black Bittern).19 Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of the importance of the

potential habitat for threatened birds (Australasian Bittern and Black Bittern). BG, BL WCC, DECC H


Bittern and Black Bittern).28 Monitor the presence, density, levels of activity, and potential impacts of feral animals, in particular

foxes and cats, on threatened Bittern species BG, BL WCC, DECC L

Protect and enhance remnantareas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC 29 Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh HC, CC, BG, BL,

TTLWCC, DECC,

SRCMA

H (TTL) & inprogress

M (Others)

Protect and enhance remnantareas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC 30 Investigate and manage competition between mangroves and saltmarsh in consultation with DPI. TTL WCC, CVA, DPI,

DECCH

In progress

Protect and enhance remnantareas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC 31 Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow for expansion of

saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow.HC, CC, BG, BL,

TTLWCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA L

Protect and enhance remnantareas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC 32 Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. HC, CC, BG, BL,

TTLWCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA L




Protect and enhance remnantareas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC 33 Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and active management. HC, CC, BG, BL,

TTLWCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA M

Protect and enhance remnantareas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC 10 Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to prevent vehicular access to

areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC.HC, CC, BG, BL,

TTL WCC, CVA, DPI M

Protect and enhance remnantareas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC 17 Minimise human disturbance to Coastal Floodplain EEC by relocating and/or formalizing pedestrian

beach/estuary access routes.HC, CC, BG, BL,

TTL WCC, CVA, DPI H

Protect and enhance remnantareas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC 19 Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of the importance of the

Coastal Saltmarsh EEC.HC, CC, BG, BL,

TTL WCC, DPI H

Protect and enhance remnantareas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC 34 Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of Endangered Ecological

Communities (EECs).HC, CC, BG, BL,

TTLWCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMAH

In progress

Protect and enhance remnantareas of the Swamp Oak

Floodplain EEC35

Protect the swamp oak floodplain habitat by minimising further clearing of the community. Thisrequires recognition of the values of all remnants in the land use planning process, particularly

development consents, rezonings and regional planning.StaC, BL, TTL WCC, DECC H


Floodplain EEC36 Undertake restoration including bush regeneration and revegetation in accordance with floodplain

management objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users. StaC, BL, TTL WCC, CVA,DECC M


Floodplain EEC37 Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. StaC, BL, TTL WCC, CVA,

DECC M


Floodplain EEC19 Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of the importance of the

Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. StaC, BL, TTL WCC, CVA,DECC H


Floodplain EEC10 Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to prevent vehicular access to

areas of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. StaC, BL, TTL WCC, DECC M


Floodplain EEC17 Minimise human disturbance to Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC by relocating and/or formalizing

pedestrian beach/estuary access routes. StaC, BL, TTL WCC, DECC M





Floodplain EEC34 Implement weed control programs to prevent infestation of Endangered Ecological Communities

(EECs). StaC, BL, TTL WCC, CVA,DECC H (ongoing)

Protect and enhance remnantareas of the Bangalay Sand

Forest EEC38

Protect the Bangalay Sand Forest habitat by minimising further clearing of the community. Thisrequires recognition of the values of all remnants in the land use planning process, particularly

development consents, rezonings and regional planning.BL WCC, DECC,

SRCMA H


Forest EEC36 Undertake restoration of Bangalay Sand Forest EEC, including bush regeneration and revegetation

in accordance with floodplain management objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.. BL WCC, DECC M


Forest EEC39 Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. BL WCC, DECC,

SRCMA M


Forest EEC19 Erect educational signs to provide information to visitors and residents of the importance of the

Bangalay Sand Forest EEC. BL WCC, DECC H


Forest EEC10 Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to prevent vehicular access to

areas of Bangalay Sand Forest EEC. BL WCC, DECC M


Forest EEC17 Minimise human disturbance to Bangalay Sand Forest EEC by relocating and/or formalizing

pedestrian beach/estuary access routes. BL WCC, DECC H

Educate the community on thevalue of estuarine habitats andhow they can contribute to their

protection.

40Initiate community awareness programs that highlight the presence of threatened species

populations and catchment management approaches to improving stormwater quality, habitatretention and management.

All estuaries WCC, DECC,SRCMA H

Educate the community on thevalue of estuarine habitats andhow they can contribute to their

protection.

41 Provide ongoing support and opportunities for the community to participate in restoration andmanagement of aquatic, wetland and wildlife habitats (eg. through WCC’s Bushcare program). All estuaries

WCC, CVA,DECC, DPI,

SRCMAM

Educate Council staff to preventdamage caused by mowing

sensitive habitats and vegetation.42 Erect appropriate barriers around foreshore vegetation to prevent mowing by Council outdoor staff. All except TTL WCC H


sensitive habitats and vegetation.43 Erect signage adjacent to sensitive habitats to inform Council staff not to mow/slash the vegetation All except TTL WCC H





sensitive habitats and vegetation.44

Establish Standard Operating Procedures for Council staff to follow to prevent mowing/slashing ofsensitive vegetation (including EECs), inappropriate use of herbicides/pesticides, etc, incorporating

maps or photos of the sensitive habitats. Investigate Council’s control over inappropriate aerialherbicide spraying undertaken by the Illawarra District Noxious Weed Authority (IDNWA).

All estuaries WCC, IDNWA H

Notes: 1 HC - Hargraves Creek, StaC - Stanwell Creek, StoC - Stoney Creek, FC - Flanagans Creek, SC - Slacky Creek, WC - Whartons Creek, CC - Collins Creek, BG - Bellambi Gully, BL - Bellambi Lagoon, TTL - Tom Thumb Lagoon2 H – High Priority (Rank 1-100), M – Medium Priority (Rank 101-200), L – Low Priority (Rank 201+)


Table 6.2 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Water Quality



Adopt appropriate water qualitystandards 45 Develop and adopt water quality standards (as per ANZECC 2000) for the estuary to identify

appropriate standards for aquatic ecosystem health. All estuaries WCC HIn progress

Develop and adopt a system ofcumulative impact assessment for

land use planning anddevelopment control.

46Calculate pollutant inventories and budgets for existing land uses and prepare land and watercapability assessments to establish total allowable pollutant loads and other relevant loads or

factors.All estuaries WCC H

Strictly control water qualityimpacts of development. 47

Prepare and adopt a Soil and Water Management Policy that requires submission of a ConstructionEnvironmental Management Plan (including a Soil and Water Management Plan) with a

Development Application setting out how erosion and sediment control, water quality and waterquantity will be managed during both the construction and operational stages to achieve the

required water quality standards.

All estuaries WCC MIn progress

Strictly control water qualityimpacts of development. 48 Incorporate in the Soil and Water Management Policy a condition that pre- and post-development

monitoring be undertaken to prove compliance with the standards at the developer’s cost. All estuaries WCC H


Establish water quality standards for stormwater runoff from new development considering theestuary’s temporal response to pollutant inputs (daily, weekly or monthly) and within the framework

of the cumulative impact assessment.All estuaries WCC M

Strictly control water qualityimpacts of development. 50 Adopt water-sensitive urban design principles, using the LEP or a separate LGA-wide DCP. All estuaries WCC H

In progress

Strictly control water qualityimpacts of development. 51 Permit development on unsewered urban or rural lots only where there is sufficient area of suitable

soil away from drainage lines to satisfactorily dispose of septic effluent on site. All estuaries WCC MIn progress

Strictly control water qualityimpacts of development. 52 Prepare Stormwater Management Plans for existing developed areas within the framework of the

cumulative impact assessment. All estuaries WCC H

Strictly control water qualityimpacts of development. 53 Retrofit existing urban development with stormwater treatment measures such as trash racks, gross

pollutant traps and wetlands (where space permits). All estuaries WCC, SRCMA M

Strictly control water qualityimpacts of development. 54 Regularly inspect and audit construction sites to monitor compliance with water quality criteria

attached to the development consent. All estuaries WCC M

Strictly control water qualityimpacts of development. 55 Regularly inspect and maintain stormwater treatment devices to ensure continued effectiveness. All, and particularly

TTL WCC H





Investigate reported water pollution events to determine and rectify the source. Investigate andrectify source of pollution of a small ephemeral tributary of Hargraves Creek, which has large

volumes of bubbles and a grey colouration during rainfall periods. Investigate the potential impactof the impoundment of Stoney Creek on water quality, hydrology and ecology.

HC, StoC WCC H

Investigate and quantify foreshorepollutant problem 57 Conduct a pollutant audit and remediate inappropriate practices. All estuaries WCC L

In progressImprove water quality throughcatchment modifications and

improved control and monitoringof point source discharges

7 Investigate the potential impacts on estuarine ecology and water quality of barriers to fish passage,and modify/remove as appropriate. SL, TTL WCC, CVA, DPI H

Improve water quality throughcatchment modifications and


58 Identify and map on Council’s GIS the location of all point source discharges to the creeks. All estuaries WCC L

Improve water quality throughcatchment modifications and


59 Include acid sulphate soil provisions in LEP. Identify any existing acid sulphate drainage, remediateand, if required, prepare a plan for ongoing management. All estuaries WCC H

Improve sewerage infrastructureand performance. 60 Develop SCAMPS in all catchments where faecal contamination is an issue, and address capacity

of systems. All estuaries SWC M

Improve sewerage infrastructureand performance. 61 Require all residents to connect to the Stanwell Park Sewerage Scheme. HC, StaC, StoC WCC H

Educate the local community 62

Educate the community on environmentally responsible practices around the house that protectwater quality by developing a brochure for distribution to all residents, recommending measures

including: composting grass clippings; using organic rather than synthetic fertilisers; applyingfertiliser sparingly and according to soil requirements; vegetating bare soil areas; using phosphate-free detergents; washing cars on grass; capturing pet droppings; and not dumping domestic refuse,

including grass clippings, on the foreshores and riverbanks or in the bush.

All estuaries WCC, SRCMA HIn progress

Educate the local community 63 Educate specific industry groups and developers of best management practices for minimisingpolluted runoff. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA M

Implement a program of estuarywater quality monitoring to

provide Council with data onwhich to base management

decisions.

64Adopt and adapt the Beach Watch recreational water quality monitoring program (based on

NHMRC 1990 and ANZECC 2000 criteria), and regularly monitor estuary water quality againstthese parameters. Publish the results on signage near the estuaries and on Council’s website.

All except TTL WCC H



decisions.

65 Monitor estuarine water and sediment quality and ecosystem health, and catchment water andsediment quality, in accordance with the Monitoring Plan in Chapter 8 of the EMP. All estuaries WCC H






decisions.

66Erect signage near the estuary entrance to inform the community about potential water quality

problems and associated health risks from primary and secondary recreational contact, particularlyafter rainfall.




decisions.

67 Investigate options to mitigate water quality impacts from the sewer overflow upstream of TTL andimplement when possible. TTL SWC, WCC M

In progress

Monitor the potential water qualityimpact of Industry 68 Monitor impacts associated with leachate discharges from the old landfills at TTL and Collins Creek. CC, TTL WCC

HIn progress at

TTLMonitor the potential water quality

impact of Industry 69 Undertake a desktop assessment of existing water quality discharge data to investigate the potentialfor water quality improvement in TTL as a result of the closure of the Tin Mill. TTL WCC L



Table 6.3 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Sedimentation and Erosion



Control erosion duringdevelopment activities 47

Prepare and adopt a Soil and Water Management Policy that requires submission of aConstruction Environmental Management Plan (including a Soil and Water Management Plan) witha Development Application setting out how erosion and sediment control, water quality and water

quantity will be managed during both the construction and operational stages to achieve therequired water quality standards.

All estuaries WCC MIn progress

Control erosion duringdevelopment activities 54 Regularly inspect and audit construction sites to monitor compliance with water quality criteria

attached to the development consent. All estuaries WCC M

Protect and restore erodingbanks. 5 Adopt riparian objectives and control measures as detailed in Council’s Riparian Development

Control Plan. All estuaries WCC H

Protect and restore erodingbanks. 70 Stabilise dunes near the estuary entrance in accordance with best management practice. FC, WC, HC, BL WCC H (BL)

M (Others)

Install erosion and sedimentationcontrol measures. 53 Retrofit existing urban development with stormwater treatment measures such as trash racks,

gross pollutant traps and wetlands (where space permits). All estuaries WCC M

Install erosion and sedimentationcontrol measures. 55 Regularly inspect and maintain stormwater treatment devices to ensure continued effectiveness. All estuaries WCC H

Manage areas of erosion toreduce sediment load to the

catchment71 Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments, with priority given to

Bellambi Gully and Bellambi Lagoon.BG, BL, HC, FC,

StoC, SL, WC, CC WCC, SRCMA M


catchment72

Undertake an erosion and sedimentation survey (including catchment, in-stream and foreshores)assessing sediment yield of sources, sediment quality and rate of infilling. Remediate sources of

high risk to the estuary.All estuaries WCC, SRCMA M


catchment73

Investigate alternative methods to repair Lower Beach Road, Stanwell Park, to minimise erosion ofmaterial and deposition in Stanwell Creek. Alternatively, re-design and resurface the road to

restore integrity and stability.StaC WCC H





catchment74

Investigate and if necessary de-silt Stanwell Creek immediately downstream of the causeway torestore it’s original profile and depth (following finalisation of repairs/reconstruction of Lower Coast

Road).StaC WCC H


catchment75 Monitor minor erosion in the vicinity of the footbridge to ensure it does not worsen and impact the

footbridge in the future. Remediate erosion if considered necessary. BG WCC, SRCMA L

Implement site specific erosionmeasures 76 Fence area of bank erosion H1 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the EPS report) and revegetate the

understorey vegetation to reduce the extent and rate of erosion. HC WCC, SRCMA M

Implement site specific erosionmeasures 77 Establish a fenced revegetated riparian zone at area of bank erosion H2 (refer Figures F1-F10 in

the EPS report) to reduce the extent and rate of erosion. HC WCC, SRCMA M

Implement site specific erosionmeasures 78 Formalise the beach access and revegetate at area of erosion H3 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the

EPS report). HC WCC, SRCMA M

Implement site specific erosionmeasures 79

Provide rock toe protection at area of bank erosion SW1 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the EPS report),and revegetate upper bank with understorey and shrub species. Extend downstream through the

minimally active zone.StaC WCC, SRCMA M


Extend the existing rock toe protection downstream to area of bank erosion SW2 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the EPS report). Provide revegetation and fencing to control access along the downstream

section.StaC WCC, SRCMA M

Implement site specific erosionmeasures 81 Provide rock toe protection at area of bank erosion S1 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the EPS report), re-

shape the upper bank, and revegetate. SL WCC, SRCMA H


Provide rock toe protection at area of bank erosion S2 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the EPS report), orre-shape, to minimize erosion. Revegetate to improve riparian vegetation corridor and increase

bank stability.SL WCC, SRCMA H

Implement site specific erosionmeasures 83 Supplement the erosion protection (gabion baskets) provided near the entrance to the estuary with

revegetation. WC WCC, SRCMA M

Restrict access to areas prone toerosion 84 Restrict access to, and revegetate, the left bank between the entrance to Bulli Beach Holiday Park

and the footbridge. WC WCC, SRCMA M

Restrict access to areas prone toerosion 85 Formalise a beach access on the right bank and revegetate disturbed areas to reduce erosion. BL WCC, SRCMA M

Educate the community regardingerosion and mitigation measures 62

Educate the community on environmentally responsible practices around the house that protectwater quality by developing a brochure for distribution to all residents, recommending measures

including: composting grass clippings; using organic rather than synthetic fertilisers; applyingfertiliser sparingly and according to soil requirements; vegetating bare soil areas; using phosphate-

free detergents; washing cars on grass; capturing pet droppings; and not dumping domesticrefuse, including grass clippings, on the foreshores and riverbanks or in the bush.





Educate the community regardingerosion and mitigation measures 19 Provide signage to educate the community about the damage caused by inappropriate activities

and access, including the illegal removal of beach sand. All estuaries WCC H



Table 6.4 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Cultural Heritage



Identify and protect sites ofsignificant Aboriginal and

European heritage86 Protect sites through the LEP. BL WCC, DECC H

In progress


European heritage87 Undertake stabilisation works on the northern bank of Bellambi Lagoon entrance to

prevent/minimise further erosion and encroachment into an area of Aboriginal heritage. BL WCC, DECC,SRCMA H


European heritage88 Replace existing temporary fencing with permanent fencing to discourage human disturbance of

particularly sensitive areas of the dunes and heritage area. BL WCC, DECC,SRCMA H


European heritage19 Provide signage to educate the community about the damage caused to Aboriginal heritage

through inappropriate activities and access. BL WCC, DECC H

Educate the community about thesignificance of Aboriginal and

European heritage sites.89 Erect interpretative signage at the beach reserve relating to Aboriginal heritage significance. BL WCC, DECC H

Educate the community about thesignificance of Aboriginal and

European heritage sites.90 Investigate sites and areas of potential cultural heritage significance (Aboriginal and European,

including the campsites near Stanwell Creek) and protect as necessary. All estuaries WCC, DECC H



Table 6.5 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Sustainable Development



Manage the planning system toachieve sustainable development,reflecting community values andawareness of the importance of

estuaries.

1Ensure estuaries are appropriately zoned (prohibiting certain development types), dedicated

and/or reserved, and appropriate development controls are implemented. Review all zonings andupdate to reflect the new LEP template zonings.



estuaries.

4

Introduce appropriate zoning or an LEP clause requiring consent from Council for anydevelopment within reserves and buffer zones, except for fencing, revegetation or any works

contained in an Estuary Management Plan and prohibiting certain development types altogether.Require development consent for all land uses that potentially have adverse impacts on estuarine

ecosystems and prohibit development with impacts that cannot be reasonably mitigated.



estuaries.

91Adopt a precautionary approach of accepting a lower level of risk (ie. a wider safety margin) for

managing existing and proposed land and waterway uses affecting highly valued environmentallysensitive components of the estuarine ecosystem.

All estuaries WCC M


estuaries.

13 Consider the impacts of climate change (particularly sea level rise) in the assessment of proposeddevelopments, and when identifying and prioritising sites for regeneration works. All estuaries WCC L


estuaries.

59 Include acid sulphate soil provisions in LEP. Identify any existing acid sulphate drainage,remediate and, if required, prepare a plan for ongoing management. All estuaries WCC H

In progress


estuaries.

5 Adopt riparian objectives and control measures as detailed in Council’s Riparian DevelopmentControl Plan. All estuaries WCC H


estuaries.

92

Require that a Local Environmental Study be prepared for a major LEP or rezoning proposal forany area within or adjoining an estuary. The LES should consider potential impacts on estuarine

values including the ecosystem, threatened species, water quality, cultural heritage, foreshore andestuary access and usage, population levels with tourist influx, public amenity, fishing and acid

sulphate soils.

All estuaries Proponent H





estuaries.

46Calculate pollutant inventories and budgets for existing land uses and prepare land and watercapability assessments to establish total allowable pollutant loads and other relevant loads or

factors.All estuaries WCC H


estuaries.

49Establish water quality standards for stormwater runoff from new development considering the

estuary’s temporal response to pollutant inputs (daily, weekly or monthly) and within the frameworkof the cumulative impact assessment.

All estuaries WCC M



Table 6.6 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Recreation



Rationalise public and privatefacilities within and adjacent to the

estuaries.93

Survey public foreshore structures and assess whether the location and extent is appropriate.Require the removal of unauthorised private foreshore structures where they cause a navigation

hazard, are unsafe, or exacerbate erosion.All estuaries WCC L

Rationalise public and privatefacilities within and adjacent to the

estuaries.94 Based on the access and demand survey, provide facilities such as parking, litter collection,

amenities and walking trails. All estuaries WCC L

Improve the availability of publicrecreational space through the

acquisition, rezoning and sensitivemanagement of appropriate areas

of foreshore land.

95 Ensure sufficient and appropriate foreshore land continues to be reserved for access andfacilities. All estuaries WCC M



of foreshore land.

96 Maximise public ownership and appropriate access to Council and Crown foreshore land. All estuaries WCC L



of foreshore land.

97 Classify Council-owned land with open space or conservation value as community land under theLocal Government Act. All estuaries WCC L

In progress



of foreshore land.

98 Implement the Coastal Lands Protection Scheme All estuaries WCC H

Educate the community on theimportance of maintaining,

protecting and enhancing publicrecreational open space.

99 Prepare handouts for distribution at caravan parks and other tourist accommodation on the needfor foreshore users to dispose of bait bags, drink bottles and other litter appropriately All estuaries WCC, SRCMA H

Educate the community on theimportance of maintaining,

protecting and enhancing publicrecreational open space.

19 Erect signage at waterway access points on the need to protect the waterway from litter. All estuaries WCC H


aquatic habitats10 Restrict or control access to sensitive estuarine habitats whilst providing appropriate access

points for authorised users. StaC, BG, BL, HC WCC M





aquatic habitats17 Formalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered ecological

communities and the habitats of protected species, through provision of boardwalks and fencing. BL WCC M

Implement a program of estuarywater quality monitoring to provideCouncil with data on which to base

management decisions.

64Adopt and adapt the Beach Watch recreational water quality monitoring program (based on

NHMRC 1990 and ANZECC 2000 criteria), and regularly monitor estuary water quality againstthese parameters. Publish the results on signage near the estuaries and on Council’s website.




65 Monitor estuarine water and sediment quality and ecosystem health, and catchment water andsediment quality, in accordance with the Monitoring Plan in Chapter 8 of the EMP. All estuaries WCC H



66Erect signage near the estuary entrance to inform the community about potential water quality

problems and associated health risks from primary and secondary recreational contact,particularly after rainfall.




Table 6.7 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Flooding



Develop and implementappropriate flood managementstudies, plans and actions that

balance flood and environmentalrisks and impacts.

100 Develop Floodplain Management Plans that take into consideration the effect of proposedmanagement actions on environmental, social and cultural values. All estuaries WCC H

In progress



101 Implement relevant actions from Floodplain Management Plans, taking into consideration theirlikely impact on environmental, social and cultural values. All estuaries WCC L



102 Prepare entrance management policies consistent with Floodplain Management Plans andensure entrance management accommodates ecological requirements where possible. All estuaries WCC H



103 Require water quality, as well as quantity, to be considered in the design of any flood detentionstructures. All estuaries WCC M



104 Install rainfall, stream flow gauges and water level recorders where required. All estuaries WCC L



105 Carry out entrance management as outlined in adopted entrance management policies All estuaries WCC M

Implement a flooding awarenessprogram for residents living within

flood-prone areas106 Prepare flood awareness brochures for distribution to residents in flood-prone areas. All estuaries WCC L



Table 6.8 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Visual Amenity



Maintain and enhance visualamenity by the adoption and

implementation of appropriateplanning controls.

107 Prepare and adopt a Visual Management System for the LGA setting out the methodology forundertaking visual assessments All estuaries WCC L



108Prepare a Visual Management Plan (VMP) to maintain significant views and vistas and require,through planning instruments, development control plans and design guidelines that all building

and development applications conform to the VMP.All except TTL WCC M



109Require, through an LGA-wide DCP, that foreshore protection to control erosion conforms to the

VMP and be of a standardised type utilising local native plants with harder materials, such astimber or rock, only where necessary.

All estuaries WCC M

Encourage communityinvolvement in the maintenance,enhancement and enjoyment of

the existing visual amenity

110 Provide foreshore viewing platforms if required. All estuaries WCC L



111 Provide local native trees, shrubs and other plants for use on waterfront properties. All estuaries WCC M



15 Investigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep riparian corridor withimproved habitats in accordance with floodplain management objectives. FC, SL, WC, CC, BG WCC H



112

Educate the community and, in particular, the landholders adjacent to the waterway or in the firstrow of houses behind foreshore roadways, on the value of not clearing their land or waterfrontreserves to improve their own views, and the penalties for illegal clearing. Regenerate illegally

cleared areas and erect highly visible fencing (eg. orange safety fencing) and signage asdeterrents.

All estuaries WCC, SRCMA M



Table 6.9 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Entrance Management



Develop entrance managementpolicies considering location ofpast openings, flood mitigation

(as per FMPs), water quality, fishand invertebrate recruitment,birdlife, threatened species,

cultural sites, ecology and localresident’s wishes.

113 Prepare entrance management policy in consultation with the community, the EstuaryManagement Committee, and Councillors. BL WCC L




114 Where appropriate, implement entrance management policy, using the media to publiciseentrance opening events. BL WCC L




115Establish a monitoring program to record date of opening and closing, nature of opening (naturalor manual), location and width across the entrance dune, ocean water level, width and depth of

channel development with time, estuary water levels through time and water velocities.

All estuaries, exceptTTL WCC H

Educate the community on theimportance of not illegally

opening an estuary entrance andthe consequent liability to

prosecution if caught.

116 Publicise the dangers and risks of illegally opening estuary entrances through the media, andinclude warnings on signage adjacent to estuary entrances or at beach reserve carparks. All estuaries WCC H



Table 6.10 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Information and Communications



Raise community awareness ofthe importance of estuaries and

measures they can take to protectand enhance them.

117Distribute an Estuary Management Plan summary to local residents and make the full plan

available for public perusal at any time. Consult the local community and other stakeholdersprior to implementing management actions.

All estuaries WCC H



118Maintain an action plan to log the progress and success of the implementation of estuarymanagement plan actions. Update the plan after each Estuary Management Committee

meeting and distribute to interested parties, including the media, on request.All estuaries WCC H



119Develop an education brochure outlining the impacts of human activity on estuary condition andthe actions that can be taken at a personal level to maintain estuary health. Distribute with rates

notices and make available at appropriate distribution opportunities.All estuaries WCC, SRCMA H



120Develop a plan, preferably using a Geographical Information System, to be used in conjunctionwith the action plan, showing land and waterway uses and current planning and development

activities occurring in the estuary and the catchment.All estuaries WCC H



121 Use the local media to publicise Estuary Management Plans, the results of monitoringprograms, and issues of concern as they arise. All estuaries WCC H



122 Use Council’s web site as a means of distributing all the above educational material. All estuaries WCC H



123

Identify, maintain, support, improve and acknowledge the existing partnerships with Friends ofTTL, CVA, PKPC, Port Kembla Coal Terminal, BlueScope Steel, CMA, DECC, DPI, SWC and

other Divisions of WCC, and the success of their combined efforts in improving the managementof TTL

TTL TTLstakeholders H



124Maintain and improve the existing partnership approach to facilitate the improved management,

clean-up and notification of sewage overflow events affecting TTL, including consideration ofinstalling a gross pollutant trap, and maintenance of SWC infrastructure throughout TTL.

TTL CVA, FoTTL,SWC H






125 Investigate the undertakings agreed between SWC and WCC in the 1980’s relating to theongoing management of Bellambi Lagoon, and implement as appropriate. BL WCC, SWC H



Table 6.11 Draft Management Strategies and Actions – Monitoring



Develop and implement amonitoring program for each

strategy in the Management Planto assess performance and

enable plan auditing at regularintervals and subsequentadaptation of the plan.

126 Implement the Monitoring Plan detailed in Chapter 8 of the EMP (or alternative). All estuaries WCC M

Establish community monitoringprojects 127 Develop appropriate community monitoring projects. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA M



6.3 Assessment of strategiesThe management actions detailed in Tables 6.1-6.11 were assessed using a cost benefit analysis andtriple bottom line assessment in order to rank the strategies and actions in terms of effectiveness, costand expected benefits. The cost benefit analysis was based on the likely capital and recurrentexpenditure required to implement the strategies and actions, based on professional judgement. Thetriple bottom line assessment considered the perceived adverse and beneficial impacts of eachmanagement strategy/action on the estuarine values of flora, fauna, water/sediment quality, flooding,human users and cultural heritage. The scores were assigned by the project team based on thedescriptors detailed in Table 6.12. The draft scores were subsequently refined through discussion withCouncillors, Council staff, DECC and the EMC.

A weighting of 10% was given to the scores for flora and fauna, and water/sediment quality, to reflect theprinciple of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) that the conservation of biological diversity andecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in decision-making. The weighting alsoreflects comments received from the EMC relating to the relative merits of each score, and in particularthe fact that the original rankings resulted in important water quality improvement actions being given alow priority.

In addition, a weighting of 25% was given to the scores for cultural heritage to reflect communitycomments relating to the importance of conserving both Aboriginal and European culutral heritagevalues. The weighting was considered necessary as cultural heritage management actions generally donot affect other criteria such as water quality, flora/fauna, etc, and so cultural heritage actions areinherently disadvantaged by the scoring system.

The weighting of the scores is anticipated to accord with general community expectations and valuesrelating to the conservation of estuarine habitats and cultural values.

Table 6.12 Triple Bottom Line Assessment Descriptors

Score Descriptor

+ / - 5 Long term, direct and large positive or negative impact

+ / - 4Long term, indirect, large positive or negative impact; or

Long term, direct, medium positive or negative impact

+ / - 3 Medium term, direct and/or indirect, moderate positive or negativeimpact

+ / - 2Short term, indirect, large positive or negative impact; or

Short term, direct, medium positive or negative impact.

+ / - 1 Indirect, small positive or negative impact

0 No, or neutral, impact


The assessment was used to rank the management strategies and actions according to the perceivedvalue, based on their Net Present Value and the benefits expected to accrue from their implementation.The NPV was calculated assuming a 7% discount rate over 50 years.

The results of the assessment form the Estuary Management Plan, and are documented in Section 7.


7. Estuary Management Plan

The estuary management actions identified in this report are presented in Table 7.1 (in Appendix A),ranked according to the results of the cost-benefit analysis.

The estuary management actions are also re-presented in Table 7.2 (in Appendix B), ordered by estuarythen rank, to highlight estuary-specific actions.

Consultation would be undertaken with the Aboriginal community prior to any works that might affect anyareas of potential Aboriginal heritage significance.


8. Monitoring Plan

Monitoring the effectiveness of the implementation of the management objectives, strategies and actionsdetailed in this EMSP is critical in order to provide quantifiable measures of progress against baselineconditions. Monitoring provides information that is useful in assessing whether scarce resources arebeing most effectively targeted to obtain the best outcomes.

The monitoring plan detailed in Table 8.1 details indicators that should be monitored, recommendedfrequency of the monitoring, and performance criteria against which the results should be assessed.

The results of the monitoring should be reviewed periodically to assess the performance of themanagement actions in achieving the desired outcomes. The review process will assist in identifyingwhether management actions are being successful, and should be continued, or whether they are notsuccessful, and should be amended or substituted.

Table 8.1 Monitoring Plan

ManagementObjective Indicator Monitoring Requirement

Habitat andSpecies

Conservation

Weed invasion ofEECs

6-monthly monitoring and assessment of weed species andtheir invasion of EECs.

Performance: Annual decline in weed species and extentagainst baseline.

Habitat andSpecies

Conservation

Extent/distribution ofEECs and key habitats

Annual analysis of photographic or satellite imageryTo identify any changes in extent or distribution of EECs andother key habitat and vegetation types

Performance: Change in condition from baseline data

Water Quality

RecreationFaecal coliforms

Faecal coliforms monitored at least monthly at all estuariesused for primary and secondary contact recreationalactivities.

Additional monitoring to be undertaken following seweroverflow events and rainfall events.

Performance: Conformance with Beachwatch(NHMRC/ANZECC) criteria.

Water Quality

RecreationHeavy Metals

Quarterly monitoring of heavy metals in the water column forthe first year at all sites, annually thereafter if concentrationsdemonstrated to be stable. Analyse for Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, Asand Fe.

Heavy metals in the sediment to be monitored on oneoccasion in the first year then every 5 years thereafter atTom Thumb Lagoon (2 locations), Bellambi Lagoon (2locations) and Bellambi Gully (1 location).

Performance: Number of exceedences of localised guidelineper year


ManagementObjective Indicator Monitoring Requirement

Water Quality

Temperature, pH,turbidity, dissolvedoxygen saturation,salinity, TN, TKN,

NOx, NH4+, TP andTRP, chlorophyll-a

Monitored monthly at all estuaries and following significantrainfall events (>25 mm).

Performance: Number of exceedences of localised guidelineper year

Water Quality

Recreation

VisualAmenity

Algal blooms

Monthly algal monitoring during summer months at popularrecreational estuaries in the event that blooms occur.

Performance: Number of exceedences of 15,000 cells/mLannually.

Water Quality

Recreation

VisualAmenity

Gross pollutantremoval

Weight/volume of gross pollutants removed from traps andon Clean-up Australia Day.

Performance: Change in gross pollutant load over time.

Water Quality

Recreation

VisualAmenity

Sewer overflowsMonitor Sydney Water records of dry and wet weather seweroverflows for comparison with water quality data.

Performance: Number of overflows per year.

Sedimentationand Erosion Bank erosion

Monitor extent of bank erosion in all catchment

Performance: Reduction in extent and severity of erosionagainst baseline conditions

EstuaryEntrance Entrance behaviour

Monitoring and recording of all entrance openings andclosings, including times, duration, water levels, bermheights, and associated rainfall conditions etc.

Performance: For information only.

EstuarineAquatic

EcosystemHealth

As per forthcomingSRCMA Framework As per forthcoming SRCMA Framework.


9. References

GHD (2007a) Estuary Processes Study for Several Wollongong Creeks and Lagoons. A report preparedfor Wollongong City Council.

GHD (2007b) Estuary Management Study and Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and Lagoons,Submissions in Reply Report. A report prepared for Wollongong City Council.

NSW Government (1992) Estuary Management Manual, New South Wales Government, October 1992

WBM Oceanics (2006) Wollongong Northern Coastal Creeks and Lagoons: Data Compilation andReview Report.


Appendix AEstuary Management PlanManagement Actions Ordered by Rank

Table 7.1 Management Actions ordered by Rank

Management ActionNo Management Action Estuary Responsibility &

Involvement Capital Cost RecurrentCost NPV

Flora Impact -Aquatic andTerrestrial

Fauna Impact -Aquatic,

Terrestrial,Avifauna

Water &Sediment

Quality Impact

FloodingImpact

HumanUser

Impact

CulturalHeritageImpact

BenefitIndex

BenefitIndex /

Log NPVRank Notes

1Ensure estuaries are appropriately zoned (prohibiting certain development

types), dedicated and/or reserved, and appropriate development controls areimplemented.

All estuaries WCC $1,000 $0 $1,000 4 4 4 0 3 3 19.95 $6.65 1 In progress

5 Adopt riparian objectives and control measures as detailed in Council’s RiparianDevelopment Control Plan. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $0 $2,000 3 3 3 3 3 3 19.65 $5.95 2 -

3Review public ownership of foreshore and riparian areas whenever

opportunities arise through rezoning, development approvals or acquisition(including like-for-like contributions from developers/landowners)

All estuaries WCC $1,000 $1,000 $14,801 4 4 4 2 4 3 22.95 $5.50 3 In progress

19qProvide signage to educate the community about the damage caused to dunes

and Aboriginal heritage area through inappropriate activities and access,including the illegal removal of beach sand.

All estuaries,particularly Bellambi

LagoonWCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 4 2 1 5 20.25 $5.13 4 -

10a Restrict or control access to sensitive estuarine habitats whilst providingappropriate access points for authorised users.

All estuaries exceptTom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, SRCMA $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 5 4 3 0 3 3 19.95 $4.56 5 -

4

Introduce appropriate zoning or an LEP clause requiring consent from Councilfor any development within reserves and buffer zones, except for fencing,revegetation or any works contained in an Estuary Management Plan and

prohibiting certain development types altogether.

All estuaries WCC $1,000 $0 $1,000 2 2 2 2 2 2 13.1 $4.37 6 In progress

87Undertake stabilisation works on the northern bank of Bellambi Lagoon

entrance to prevent/minimise further erosion and encroachment into an area ofAboriginal heritage.

Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $20,000 $5,000 $89,004 3 3 3 0 5 5 21.15 $4.27 7 -

52 Prepare Stormwater Management Plans for existing developed areas within theframework of the cumulative impact assessment. All estuaries WCC $10,000 $2,000 $37,601 4 4 4 2 4 0 19.2 $4.20 8 -

123

Identify, maintain, support, improve and acknowledge the existing partnershipswith Friends of TTL, CVA, PKPC, Port Kembla Coal Terminal, Bluescope Steel,CMA, DECC, DPI, SWC and other Divisions of WCC, and the success of their

combined efforts in improving the management of TTL.

TTL TTL Stakeholders $500 $500 $7,400 3 3 3 3 3 0 15.9 $4.11 9 -

124

Maintain and improve the existing partnership approach to facilitate theimproved management, clean-up and notification of sewage overflow eventsaffecting TTL, including consideration of installing a gross pollutant trap, and

maintenance of SWC infrastructure throughout TTL.

TTL CVA, FoTLL, SWC $500 $500 $7,400 3 3 3 3 3 0 15.9 $4.11 9 -

34d Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 5 3 2 0 4 2 17.5 $4.00 11 In progress

88Replace existing temporary fencing with permanent fencing to discourage

human disturbance of particularly sensitive areas of the dunes and heritagearea.


119

Develop an education brochure outlining the impacts of human activity onestuary condition and the actions that can be taken at a personal level to

maintain estuary health. Distribute with rates notices and make available atfrequent visitation points.

All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,000 $21,301 2 2 4 2 3 2 16.3 $3.77 13 -

66Erect signage near the estuary entrance to inform the community about

potential water quality problems and associated health risks from primary andsecondary recreational contact, particularly after rainfall.

All estuaries exceptTom Thumb Lagoon WCC $2,500 $500 $9,400 2 2 5 0 5 0 14.9 $3.75 14 -

14aEstablish and maintain well-vegetated riparian zones using appropriate local

native riparian vegetation in accordance with floodplain management objectivesand Sydney Water infrastructure.

Stoney Creek WCC, SRCMA $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 4 4 4 0 3 0 16.2 $3.70 15 -

38

Protect the Bangalay Sand Forest habitat by minimising further clearing of thecommunity. This requires recognition of the values of all remnants in the land

use planning process, particularly development consents, rezonings andregional planning.

Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $0 $2,000 $27,601 4 4 3 2 2 0 16.1 $3.63 16 -

35a

Protect the swamp oak floodplain habitat by minimising further clearing of thecommunity. This requires recognition of the values of all remnants in the land


Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC $0 $2,000 $27,601 4 4 3 2 2 0 16.1 $3.63 16 -

35b



Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $0 $2,000 $27,601 4 4 3 2 2 0 16.1 $3.63 16 -

35c



Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, DECC $0 $2,000 $27,601 4 4 3 2 2 0 16.1 $3.63 16 -

45 Develop and adopt water quality standards (as per ANZECC 2000) for theestuary to identify appropriate standards for aquatic ecosystem health. All estuaries WCC $15,000 $1,000 $28,801 3 3 5 0 4 0 16.1 $3.61 20 In progress

125Investigate the undertakings agreed between SWC and WCC in the 1980’srelating to the ongoing management of Bellambi Lagoon, and implement as

appropriate.Bellambi Lagoon WCC $5,000 $5,000 $74,004 3 3 3 3 2 2 17.4 $3.57 21 -

50 Adopt water-sensitive urban design principles, using the LEP or a separate LGA-wide DCP. All estuaries WCC $10,000 $2,000 $37,601 3 2 5 3 2 0 16 $3.50 22 In progress

92

Require that a Local Environmental Study be prepared for a major LEP orrezoning proposal for any area within or adjoining an estuary. The LES should

consider potential impacts on estuarine values including the ecosystem,threatened species, water quality, cultural heritage, foreshore and estuary

access and usage, population levels with tourist influx, public amenity, fishingand acid sulphate soils.

All estuaries Proponent $100,000 $0 $100,000 3 3 3 3 2 2 17.4 $3.48 23 -

11 Remove non-native and noxious species and revegetate and regenerate usinglocal native species. All estuaries WCC, CVA, SRCMA $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 5 3 2 0 4 0 15 $3.43 24 -

34a Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 5 3 2 0 4 0 15 $3.43 24 In progress

34b Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,







Water &Sediment

Quality Impact

FloodingImpact

HumanUser

Impact


BenefitIndex

BenefitIndex /

Log NPVRank Notes

34c Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,


34e Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,


34f Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of SwampOak Floodplain EEC. Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,


34g Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of SwampOak Floodplain EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,


34h Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of SwampOak Floodplain EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,


19k Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 3 3 13.35 $3.38 32 -

89 Erect interpretative signage at the beach reserve and adjacent to the Aboriginalheritage area. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $1,500 $25,701 2 1 0 0 5 5 14.55 $3.30 33 -

70d Stabilise dunes near the estuary entrance in accordance with best managementpractice. Bellambi Lagoon WCC $50,000 $10,000 $188,007 4 2 2 0 2 5 17.05 $3.23 34 -

14bEstablish and maintain well-vegetated riparian zones using appropriate local


Flanagans Creek WCC, SRCMA $20,000 $2,000 $47,601 3 4 4 0 3 0 15.1 $3.23 35 -

64

Adopt and adapt the Beach Watch recreational water quality monitoringprogram (based on NHMRC 1990 and ANZECC 2000 criteria), and regularly

monitor estuary water quality against these parameters. Publish the results onsignage near the estuaries and on Council’s website.

All estuaries exceptTom Thumb Lagoon WCC $1,000 $15,000 $208,011 3 3 5 0 5 0 17.1 $3.22 36 -

65Monitor estuarine water and sediment quality and ecosystem health, and

catchment water and sediment quality, in accordance with the Monitoring Planin Chapter 8 of the EMP.

All estuaries WCC $2,500 $15,000 $209,511 3 3 5 0 5 0 17.1 $3.21 37 -

14cEstablish and maintain well-vegetated riparian zones using appropriate local


Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $2,500 $59,502 3 4 4 0 3 0 15.1 $3.16 38 -

19aErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcBellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 2 3 12.35 $3.13 39 -

18 Relocate or control access to existing informal paths to minimize impacts on thesensitive vegetation or habitats. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $20,000 $5,000 $89,004 5 4 2 0 -3 5 15.35 $3.10 40 -

10k Relocate or control access to existing informal paths to minimize impacts on thesensitive vegetation or habitats. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $20,000 $5,000 $89,004 5 4 2 0 -3 5 15.35 $3.10 40 -

61a Require all residents to connect to the Stanwell Park Sewerage Scheme. Hargraves Creek WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 2 2 5 0 5 0 14.9 $3.08 42 -61b Require all residents to connect to the Stanwell Park Sewerage Scheme. Stanwell Creek WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 2 2 5 0 5 0 14.9 $3.08 42 -61c Require all residents to connect to the Stanwell Park Sewerage Scheme. Stoney Creek WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 2 2 5 0 5 0 14.9 $3.08 42 -

9aInvestigate and protect areas of valuable fish nursery habitat (seagrasses andmangroves), including an assessment of the implications of water quality and

macroalgae on seagrasses.Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 4 5 3 0 0 0 13.2 $3.02 45 -

9bInvestigate and protect areas of valuable fish nursery habitat (seagrasses andmangroves), including an assessment of the implications of water quality and

macroalgae on seagrasses.Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 4 5 3 0 0 0 13.2 $3.02 45 -

43 Erect signage adjacent to sensitive habitats to inform Council staff not tomow/slash the vegetation


48Incorporate in the Soil and Water Management Policy a condition that pre- and

post-development monitoring be undertaken to prove compliance with thestandards at the developer’s cost.

All estuaries WCC $2,000 $0 $2,000 3 2 4 0 0 0 9.9 $3.00 48 -

98 Implement the Coastal Lands Protection Scheme All estuaries WCC $0 $2,000 $27,601 2 2 2 2 2 2 13.1 $2.95 49 -

117Distribute an Estuary Management Plan summary to local residents and make

the full plan available for public perusal at any time. Consult the localcommunity and other stakeholders prior to implementing management actions.


121 Use the local media to publicise Estuary Management Plans, the results ofmonitoring programs, and issues of concern as they arise. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $2,000 $32,601 2 2 2 2 2 2 13.1 $2.90 50 -

24a

Further investigate the importance of the potential habitat to the threatenedspecies' potential presence in the area, including an assessment of the linkages

the site provides for the species between ecological resources across thebroader landscape.

Hargraves Creek WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 4 3 0 0 3 0 10.7 $2.89 52 -

24b



Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 4 3 0 0 3 0 10.7 $2.89 52 -

24c



Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 4 3 0 0 3 0 10.7 $2.89 52 -

24d



Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 4 3 0 0 3 0 10.7 $2.89 52 -

118

Maintain an action plan to log the progress and success of the implementationof estuary management plan actions. Update the plan after each Estuary

Management Committee meeting and distribute to interested parties, includingthe media, on request.


59a Include acid sulphate soil provisions in LEP. Identify any existing acid sulphatedrainage, remediate and, if required, prepare a plan for ongoing management. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $5,000 $74,004 3 3 4 0 3 0 14 $2.88 57 In progress






Water &Sediment

Quality Impact

FloodingImpact

HumanUser

Impact


BenefitIndex

BenefitIndex /

Log NPVRank Notes

7aInvestigate the potential impacts on estuarine ecology and water quality of the

proposed removal of the causeway across Garangaty waterway, andmodify/remove this potential barrier to fish passage as appropriate.

Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI $100,000 $0 $100,000 5 4 4 0 0 0 14.3 $2.86 58 -

29e Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.85 59 In progress

100 Develop Floodplain Management Plans that take into consideration the effect ofproposed management actions on environmental, social and cultural values. All estuaries WCC $150,000 $25,000 $495,019 2 2 2 5 2 2 16.1 $2.83 60 In progress

42 Erect appropriate barriers around foreshore vegetation to prevent mowing byCouncil outdoor staff.


15aInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Flanagans Creek WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 3 3 3 2 3 0 14.9 $2.81 62 -

15bInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Slacky Creek WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 3 3 3 2 3 0 14.9 $2.81 62 -

15cInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 3 3 3 2 3 0 14.9 $2.81 62 -

15dInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Collins Creek WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 3 3 3 2 3 0 14.9 $2.81 62 -

15eInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Bellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 3 3 3 2 3 0 14.9 $2.81 62 -

116Publicise the dangers and risks of illegally opening estuary entrances through

the media, and include warnings on signage adjacent to estuary entrances or atbeach reserve carparks.

All estuaries WCC $2,000 $500 $8,900 2 2 2 0 2 2 11.1 $2.81 67 -

7bInvestigate the potential impacts on estuarine ecology and water quality of the

small weir across Slacky Creek (located immediately upstream of the road), andmodify/remove this potential barrier to fish passage as appropriate.

Slacky Creek WCC, CVA, DPI $50,000 $0 $50,000 4 4 4 0 0 0 13.2 $2.81 68 -

25aRetain large stands of native and riparian vegetation, identify and protect any

hollow-bearing trees and retain younger recruitment trees to replace older treesin the long-term, through implementation of DCPs and DA approval process.

Hargraves Creek WCC, DECC $4,000 $3,000 $45,402 4 3 2 0 3 0 12.9 $2.77 69 In progress

25bRetain large stands of native and riparian vegetation, identify and protect any


Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC $4,000 $3,000 $45,402 4 3 2 0 3 0 12.9 $2.77 69 In progress

25cRetain large stands of native and riparian vegetation, identify and protect any


Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC $4,000 $3,000 $45,402 4 3 2 0 3 0 12.9 $2.77 69 In progress

25dRetain large stands of native and riparian vegetation, identify and protect any


Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $4,000 $3,000 $45,402 4 3 2 0 3 0 12.9 $2.77 69 In progress

86 Protect sites through the LEP following review of the heritage schedule Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $500 $11,900 0 0 0 0 5 5 11.25 $2.76 73 In progress

99Prepare handouts for distribution at caravan parks and other tourist

accommodation on the need for foreshore users to dispose of bait bags, drinkbottles and other litter appropriately


122 Use Council’s web site as a means of distributing all the above educationalmaterial. All estuaries WCC $1,000 $5,000 $70,004 2 2 2 2 2 2 13.1 $2.70 75 -

120

Develop a plan, preferably using a Geographical Information System, to beused in conjunction with the action plan, showing land and waterway uses andcurrent planning and development activities occurring in the estuary and the

catchment.


44

Establish Standard Operating Procedures for Council staff to follow to preventmowing/slashing of sensitive vegetation (including EECs), inappropriate use of

herbicides/pesticides, etc, incorporating maps or photos of the sensitivehabitats. Investigate Council’s control over inappropriate aerial herbicide

spraying undertaken by the Illawarra District Noxious Weed Authority (IDNWA).

All estuaries WCC, IDNWA $2,500 $500 $9,400 3 3 1 0 3 0 10.7 $2.69 77 -

6Negotiate property vegetation plans agreements and property management

plans with owners of land with vegetation communities plant and animal speciesand/or ecological communities or populations of significant conservation value.


46Calculate pollutant inventories and budgets for existing land uses and prepare

land and water capability assessments to establish total allowable pollutantloads and other relevant loads or factors.


27aProtect and manage potential habitat by creating buffer zones around it (withvegetation or through maintenance of high water levels) to minimise risk of

human disturbance.Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 4 3 2 0 2 0 11.9 $2.67 80 -

27bProtect and manage potential habitat by creating buffer zones around it (withvegetation or through maintenance of high water levels) to minimise risk of

human disturbance.Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 4 3 2 0 2 0 11.9 $2.67 80 -






Water &Sediment

Quality Impact

FloodingImpact

HumanUser

Impact


BenefitIndex

BenefitIndex /

Log NPVRank Notes

62

Educate the community on environmentally responsible practices around thehouse that protect water quality by developing a brochure for distribution to all

residents, recommending measures including: composting grass clippings;using organic rather than synthetic fertilisers; applying fertiliser sparingly and

according to soil requirements; vegetating bare soil areas; using phosphate-freedetergents; washing cars on grass; capturing pet droppings; and not dumping

domestic refuse, including grass clippings, on the foreshores and riverbanks orin the bush.

All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $2,000 $32,601 3 3 4 0 1 0 12 $2.66 82 In progress

55 Regularly inspect and maintain stormwater treatment devices to ensurecontinued effectiveness.

All estuaries,particularly TomThumb Lagoon

WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 2 2 4 2 2 0 12.8 $2.65 83 In progress

90Investigate sites and areas of potential cultural heritage significance (Aboriginal

and European, including the campsites near Stanwell Creek) and protect asnecessary.

All estuaries WCC, DECC $5,000 $1,000 $18,801 0 0 0 0 5 5 11.25 $2.63 84 -

40Initiate community awareness programs that highlight the presence of

threatened species populations and catchment management approaches toimproving stromwater quality, habitat retention and management.

All estuaries WCC, DECC, SRCMA $5,000 $1,000 $18,801 2 2 2 0 2 2 11.1 $2.60 85 -

102Prepare entrance management policies consistent with Floodplain Management

Plans and ensure entrance management accommodates ecologicalrequirements where possible.


74Investigate and if necessary de-silt Stanwell Creek immediately downstream ofthe causeway to restore it’s original profile and depth (following finalisation of

repairs/reconstruction of Lower Coast Road).Stanwell Creek WCC $25,000 $5,000 $94,004 2 2 4 2 2 0 12.8 $2.57 87 -

81 Provide rock toe protection at area of bank erosion S1 (refer Figures F1-F10 inthe EPS report) , re-shape the upper bank, and revegetate. Slacky Creek WCC, SRCMA $40,000 $5,000 $109,004 3 3 3 0 3 0 12.9 $2.56 88 -

82Provide rock toe protection at area of bank erosion S2 (refer Figures F1-F10 in

the EPS report) , or re-shape, to minimize erosion. Revegetate to improveriparian vegetation corridor and increase bank stability.

Slacky Creek WCC, SRCMA $40,000 $5,000 $109,004 3 3 3 0 3 0 12.9 $2.56 88 -

115

Establish a monitoring program to record date of opening and closing, nature ofopening (natural or manual), location and width across the entrance dune,

ocean water level, width and depth of channel development with time, estuarywater levels through time and water velocities.


56a

Investigate reported water pollution events to determine and rectify the source.Investigate and rectify source of pollution of a small ephemeral tributary of

Hargraves Creek, which has large volumes of bubbles and a grey colourationduring rainfall periods. Investigate the potential impact of the impoundment of

Stoney Creek on water quality, hydrology and ecology.

Hargraves Creek WCC $2,500 $0 $2,500 2 2 2 0 2 0 8.6 $2.53 91 -

56b




Stoney Creek WCC $2,500 $0 $2,500 2 2 2 0 2 0 8.6 $2.53 91 -

30 Investigate and manage competition between mangroves and saltmarsh inconsultation with DPI Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

DECC $1,500 $1,500 $22,201 4 3 3 0 0 0 11 $2.53 93 In progress

68a Monitor impacts associated with leachate discharges from the old landfill atTTL. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC $25,000 $10,000 $163,007 3 3 4 0 2 0 13 $2.49 94 In progress

68b Monitor impacts associated with leachate discharges from the old landfill atCollins Creek. Collins Creek WCC $25,000 $10,000 $163,007 3 3 4 0 2 0 13 $2.49 94 -

73Investigate alternative methods to repair Lower Beach Road, Stanwell Park, to

minimise erosion of material and deposition in Stanwell Creek. Alternatively, re-design and resurface the road to restore integrity and stability.

Stanwell Creek WCC $150,000 $20,000 $426,015 2 2 4 2 3 0 13.8 $2.45 96 -

19fErect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of the

importance of the potential habitat for threatened birds (Australasian Bittern andBlack Bittern).

Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 3 0 9.6 $2.43 97 -

19gErect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of the

importance of the potential habitat for threatened birds (Australasian Bittern andBlack Bittern).

Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 3 0 9.6 $2.43 97 -

19h Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Hargraves Creek WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 3 0 9.6 $2.43 97 -

19i Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Collins Creek WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 3 0 9.6 $2.43 97 -

19j Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Bellambi Gully WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 3 0 9.6 $2.43 97 -

19l Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 3 0 9.6 $2.43 97 -

19rErect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the potential habitat for all species of threatened shorebirds and

migratory waders.All estuaries WCC, DECC, $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 3 0 9.6 $2.43 97 -

41Provide ongoing support and opportunities for the community to participate in

restoration and management of aquatic, wetland and wildlife habitats (eg.through WCC’s Bushcare program ).

All estuaries WCC, CVA, DECC,DPI, SRCMA $5,000 $2,500 $39,502 2 2 2 0 2 2 11.1 $2.41 104 -

36aUndertake restoration of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC including bush

regeneration and revegetation in accordance with floodplain managementobjectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.

Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC $15,000 $1,500 $35,701 3 3 2 0 2 0 10.8 $2.37 105 -

36bUndertake restoration of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC including bush


Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC $15,000 $1,500 $35,701 3 3 2 0 2 0 10.8 $2.37 105 -

36dUndertake restoration of Bangalay Sand Forest EEC including bush



78 Formalise the beach access and revegetate at area of erosion H3 (refer FiguresF1-F10 in the EPS report) . Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 3 2 3 0 1 0 9.8 $2.36 108 -






Water &Sediment

Quality Impact

FloodingImpact

HumanUser

Impact


BenefitIndex

BenefitIndex /

Log NPVRank Notes

103 Require water quality, as well as quantity, be considered in the design of anyflood detention structures. All estuaries WCC $1,000 $1,000 $14,801 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $2.33 109 -

36cUndertake restoration of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC including bush


Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC $20,000 $2,500 $54,502 3 3 2 0 2 0 10.8 $2.28 110 -

70a Stabilise dunes near the estuary entrance in accordance with best managementpractice. Flanagans Creek WCC $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 4 2 2 0 2 0 10.8 $2.27 111 -

70b Stabilise dunes near the estuary entrance in accordance with best managementpractice. Whartons Creek WCC $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 4 2 2 0 2 0 10.8 $2.27 111 -

70c Stabilise dunes near the estuary entrance in accordance with best managementpractice. Hargraves Creek WCC $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 4 2 2 0 2 0 10.8 $2.27 111 -

17cFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered

ecological communities and the habitats of protected species, through provisionof boardwalks and fencing.

Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 3 2 0 0 0 3 9.25 $2.27 114 -

10b Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to preventvehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.22 115 -

10c Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to preventvehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.22 115 -

10d Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to preventvehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.22 115 -

10e Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to preventvehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.22 115 -

10f Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to preventvehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.22 115 -

10g Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to preventvehicular access to areas of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.22 115 -

10h Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to preventvehicular access to areas of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.22 115 -

10i Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to preventvehicular access to areas of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.22 115 -

10j Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards to preventvehicular access to areas of Bangalay Sand Forest EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 3 0 0 0 9.9 $2.22 115 -

12c Protect mangroves from human access/trampling and weed invasion. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, SRCMA $1,000 $0 $1,000 2 2 2 0 0 0 6.6 $2.20 124 -

47

Prepare and adopt a Soil and Water Management Policy that requiressubmission of a Construction Environmental Managament Plan (including a Soiland Water Management Plan) with a Development Application setting out howerosion and sediment control, water quality and water quantity will be managed

during both the construction and operational stages to achieve the requiredwater quality standards.


19bErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcHargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.18 126 -

19cErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcBellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.18 126 -

19dErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcCollins Creek WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.18 126 -

19eErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcStanwell Creek WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.18 126 -

19m Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.18 126 -

19n Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.18 126 -

19o Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.18 126 -

19p Erect educational signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Bangalay Sand Forest EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 3 3 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.18 126 -

22aEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by

creating additional freshwater habitats, revegetating appropriately andcontrolling invasive weeds to maintain existing evegetation

Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 4 4 0 0 2 0 10.8 $2.18 134 -

22bEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 4 4 0 0 2 0 10.8 $2.18 134 -

22cEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 4 4 0 0 2 0 10.8 $2.18 134 -

22dEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 4 4 0 0 2 0 10.8 $2.18 134 -

22eEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 4 4 0 0 2 0 10.8 $2.18 134 -

22fEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 4 4 0 0 2 0 10.8 $2.18 134 -

49Establish water quality standards for stormwater runoff from new development

considering the estuary’s temporal response to pollutant inputs (daily, weekly ormonthly) and within the framework of the cumulative impact assessment.


20a Protect potential riparian habitat for the Red Crowned Toadlet by minimsingdisturbance to the upper reaches of the creeks Hargraves Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 2 3 3 0 0 0 8.8 $2.12 141 -






Water &Sediment

Quality Impact

FloodingImpact

HumanUser

Impact


BenefitIndex

BenefitIndex /

Log NPVRank Notes

20b Protect potential riparian habitat for the Red Crowned Toadlet by minimsingdisturbance to the upper reaches of the creeks Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 2 3 3 0 0 0 8.8 $2.12 141 -

33a Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 4 2 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.11 143 -

33b Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 4 2 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.11 143 -

33c Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 4 2 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.11 143 -

33d Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 4 2 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.11 143 -

83 Supplement the erosion protection (gabion baskets) provided near the entranceto the estuary with revegetation. Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $10,000 $2,500 $44,502 2 3 2 0 2 0 9.7 $2.09 147 -

33e Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 4 2 0 0 2 0 8.6 $2.07 148 -

76 Fence area of bank erosion H1 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the EPS report) andrevegetate the understorey vegetation to reduce the extent and rate of erosion. Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 3 2 3 0 1 0 9.8 $2.06 149 -

77 Establish a fenced revegetated riparian zone at area of bank erosion H2 (referFigures F1-F10 in the EPS report) to reduce the extent and rate of erosion. Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 3 2 3 0 1 0 9.8 $2.06 149 -

71c Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $2.01 151 -71d Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Flanagans Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $2.01 151 -71e Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Slacky Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $2.01 151 -71g Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Collins Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $2.01 151 -71h Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Stoney Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $2.01 151 -

109Require, through an LGA-wide DCP, that foreshore protection to control erosionconforms to the VMP and be of a standardised type utilising local native plants

with harder materials, such as timber or rock, only where necessary.All estuaries WCC $15,000 $5,000 $84,004 2 2 2 0 2 1 9.85 $2.00 156 -

67 Investigate options to mitigate water quality impacts from the sewer overflowupstream of Tom Thumb Lagoon and implement when possible. Tom Thumb Lagoon SWC, WCC $10,000 $5,000 $79,004 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $1.98 157 In progress

19s Erect signage at waterway access points on the need to protect the waterwayfrom litter. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $2,500 $1,500 $23,201 2 1 3 0 2 0 8.6 $1.97 158 -

80Extend the existing rock toe protection downstream to area of bank erosionSW2 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the EPS report) . Provide revegetation and

fencing to control access along the downstream section.Stanwell Creek WCC, SRCMA $40,000 $5,000 $109,004 3 2 3 0 1 0 9.8 $1.95 159 -

71f Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $40,000 $5,000 $109,004 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $1.93 160 -

53 Retrofit existing urban development with stormwater treatment measures suchas trash racks, gross pollutant traps and wetlands (where space permits). All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $150,000 $10,000 $288,007 2 1 2 2 3 0 10.5 $1.92 161 -

63 Educate specific industry groups and developers of best management practicesfor minimising polluted runoff. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $10,000 $2,500 $44,502 2 1 3 0 2 0 8.6 $1.85 162 -

79Provide rock toe protection at area of bank erosion SW1 (refer Figures F1-F10

in the EPS report) , and revegetate upper bank with understorey and shrubspecies. Extend downstream through the minimally active zone.

Stanwell Creek WCC, SRCMA $65,000 $10,000 $203,007 3 2 3 0 1 0 9.8 $1.85 163 -

51Permit development on unsewered urban or rural lots only where there is

sufficient area of suitable soil away from drainage lines to satisfactorily disposeof septic effluent on site.


71a Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Bellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $75,000 $10,000 $213,007 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $1.82 165 -71b Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $75,000 $10,000 $213,007 2 2 3 0 2 0 9.7 $1.82 165 -

95 Ensure sufficient and appropriate foreshore land continues to be reserved foraccess and facilities. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $5,000 $74,004 0 0 0 0 5 3 8.75 $1.80 167 -

21a Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 2 0 -1 0 7.8 $1.75 168 -

21b Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 2 0 -1 0 7.8 $1.75 168 -

21c Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 2 0 -1 0 7.8 $1.75 168 -

21d Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 2 0 -1 0 7.8 $1.75 168 -

21e Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 2 0 -1 0 7.8 $1.75 168 -

21f Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 3 3 2 0 -1 0 7.8 $1.75 168 -

85 Formalise a beach access on the right bank and revegetate disturbed areas toreduce erosion. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 3 2 1 0 0 0 6.6 $1.62 174 -

60 Develop SCAMPS in all catchments where faecal contamination is an issue,and address capacity of systems. All estuaries SWC $100,000 $50,000 $790,037 2 1 2 0 4 0 9.5 $1.61 175 -

20c Protect potential riparian habitat for the Red Crowned Toadlet by minimsingdisturbance to the upper reaches of the creeks Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 2 2 2 0 0 0 6.6 $1.59 176 -

20d Protect potential riparian habitat for the Red Crowned Toadlet by minimsingdisturbance to the upper reaches of the creeks Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 2 2 2 0 0 0 6.6 $1.59 176 -

54 Regularly inspect and audit construction sites to monitor compliance with waterquality criteria attached to the development consent. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $20,000 $281,015 2 2 2 0 2 0 8.6 $1.58 178 -

112

Educate the community and, in particular, the landholders adjacent to thewaterway or in the first row of houses behind foreshore roadways, on the valueof not clearing their land or waterfront reserves to improve their own views, and

the penalties for illegal clearing. Regenerate illegally cleared areas and erecthighly visible fencing (eg. orange safety fencing) and signage as deterrents.


111 Provide local native trees, shrubs and other plants for use on waterfrontproperties. All estuaries WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 2 2 1 0 2 0 7.5 $1.55 180 -






Water &Sediment

Quality Impact

FloodingImpact

HumanUser

Impact


BenefitIndex

BenefitIndex /

Log NPVRank Notes

72Undertake an erosion and sedimentation survey (including catchment, in-

stream and foreshores) assessing sediment yield of sources, sediment qualityand rate of infilling. Remediate sources of high risk to the estuary.


91

Adopt a precautionary approach of accepting a lower level of risk (ie. a widersafety margin) for managing existing and proposed land and waterway uses

affecting highly valued environmentally sensitive components of the estuarineecosystem.


84 Restrict access to, and revegetate, the left bank between the entrance to BulliBeach Holiday Park and the footbridge. Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $15,000 $2,000 $42,601 2 2 2 0 0 0 6.6 $1.43 183 -

105 Carry out entrance management as outlined in adopted entrance managementpolicies All estuaries WCC $15,000 $5,000 $84,004 -1 -1 2 5 3 -1 6.75 $1.37 184 -

39 Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $1,500 $500 $8,400 2 1 0 0 2 0 5.3 $1.35 185 -

37a Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC $1,500 $500 $8,400 2 1 0 0 2 0 5.3 $1.35 185 -37b Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC $1,500 $500 $8,400 2 1 0 0 2 0 5.3 $1.35 185 -37c Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC $1,500 $500 $8,400 2 1 0 0 2 0 5.3 $1.35 185 -

17aFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered


Stanwell Creek WCC $5,000 $500 $11,900 3 2 0 0 0 0 5.5 $1.35 189 -

17bFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered


Bellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 3 2 0 0 0 0 5.5 $1.35 189 -

17dFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered


Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 3 2 0 0 0 0 5.5 $1.35 189 -

17eFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered


Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 3 2 0 0 0 0 5.5 $1.35 189 -

12a Protect mangroves from human access/trampling and weed invasion. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 2 1 1 0 0 0 4.4 $1.27 193 -

29a Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Hargraves Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 2 1 1 0 0 0 4.4 $1.27 193 -

29b Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Collins Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 2 1 1 0 0 0 4.4 $1.27 193 -

29c Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 2 1 1 0 0 0 4.4 $1.27 193 -

29d Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 2 1 1 0 0 0 4.4 $1.27 193 -

12b Protect mangroves from human access/trampling and weed invasion. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, SRCMA $4,000 $0 $4,000 2 1 1 0 0 0 4.4 $1.22 198 -

108

Prepare a Visual Management Plan (VMP) to maintain significant views andvistas and require, through planning instruments, development control plans

and design guidelines that all building and development applications conform tothe VMP.


97 Classify Council-owned land with open space or conservation value ascommunity land under the Local Government Act. All estuaries WCC $1,000 $1,000 $14,801 0 0 0 0 5 0 5 $1.20 200 In progress

93

Survey public foreshore structures and assess whether the location and extentis appropriate. Require the removal of unauthorised private foreshore

structures where they cause a navigation hazard, are unsafe, or exacerbateerosion.

All estuaries WCC $7,500 $1,000 $21,301 0 0 0 0 5 0 5 $1.16 201 -

57 Conduct a pollutant audit and remediate inappropriate practices. All estuaries WCC $25,000 $2,000 $52,601 1 1 2 0 1 0 5.4 $1.14 202 In progress

75Monitor minor erosion in the vicinity of the footbridge to ensure it does not

worsen and impact the footbridge in the future. Remediate erosion ifconsidered necessary.

Bellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $0 $750 $10,351 1 1 1 0 1 0 4.3 $1.07 203 -

104 Install rainfall, stream flow gauges and water level recorders where required. All estuaries WCC $25,000 $5,000 $94,004 0 0 2 2 1 0 5.2 $1.05 204 -

107 Prepare and adopt a Visual Management System for the LGA setting out themethodology for undertaking visual assessments All estuaries WCC $50,000 $5,000 $119,004 0 0 0 0 4 1 5.25 $1.03 205 -

96 Maximise public ownership and appropriate access to Council and Crownforeshore land. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $5,000 $74,004 0 0 0 0 5 0 5 $1.03 206 -

94 Based on the access and demand survey, provide facilities such as parking,litter collection, amenities and walking trails. All estuaries WCC $15,000 $5,000 $84,004 0 0 0 0 5 0 5 $1.02 207 -

110 Provide foreshore viewing platforms if required. All estuaries WCC $15,000 $5,000 $84,004 0 0 0 0 5 0 5 $1.02 207 -

69Undertake a desktop assessment of existing water quality discharge data to

investigate the potential for water quality improvement in TTL as a result of theclosure of the Tin Mill.

Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC $2,500 $0 $2,500 1 1 1 0 0 0 3.3 $0.97 209 -

106 Prepare flood awareness brochures for distribution to residents in flood-proneareas. All estuaries WCC $7,500 $2,500 $42,002 0 0 0 2 2 0 4 $0.87 210 -

101 Implement relevant actions from Floodplain Management Plans, taking intoconsideration their likely impact on environmental, social and cultural values. All estuaries WCC $150,000 $50,000 $840,037 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 $0.84 211 -

58 Identify and map on Council’s GIS the location of all point source discharges tothe creeks. All estuaries WCC $50,000 $10,000 $188,007 1 1 2 0 0 0 4.4 $0.83 212 -

31a Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -

31b Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -

31c Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -

31d Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -

31e Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -






Water &Sediment

Quality Impact

FloodingImpact

HumanUser

Impact


BenefitIndex

BenefitIndex /

Log NPVRank Notes

32a Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -

32b Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -

32c Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -

32d Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -

32e Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 2 1 0 0 0 0 3.3 $0.80 213 -

23a Investigate, and where possible implement, measures to control or eradicatethe introduced Mosquito fish. Flanagans Creek WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 1 1 0 0 0 0 2.2 $0.59 223 -

23b Investigate, and where possible implement, measures to control or eradicatethe introduced Mosquito fish. Collins Creek WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 1 1 0 0 0 0 2.2 $0.59 223 -

23c Investigate, and where possible implement, measures to control or eradicatethe introduced Mosquito fish. Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 1 1 0 0 0 0 2.2 $0.59 223 -

23d Investigate, and where possible implement, measures to control or eradicatethe introduced Mosquito fish. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 1 1 0 0 0 0 2.2 $0.59 223 -

13Consider the impacts of climate change (particularly sea level rise) in the

assessment of proposed developments, and when identifying and prioritizingsites for regeneration works.

All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 1 1 0 0 0 0 2.2 $0.56 227 -

28a Monitor the presence, density, levels of activity, and potential impacts of feralanimals, in particular foxes and cats, on threatened Bittern species. Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 0 1 0 0 0 0 1.1 $0.30 228 -

28b Monitor the presence, density, levels of activity, and potential impacts of feralanimals, in particular foxes and cats, on threatened Bittern species. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 0 1 0 0 0 0 1.1 $0.30 228 -

26

Reduce disturbance to coastal feeding, nesting and roosting areas ofthreatened shorebirds and migratory waders by implementing a protection zone

around them (500m radius), and restricting beach-combing, fishing, dog-walking, horse-riding, 4WD vehicles and other disturbing activities in theimmediate vicinity of the potential habitat. Initial focus to be on the Sooty

Oystercatcher habitat at Stanwell Creek.

All estuaries,particularly Stanwell

CreekWCC, DECC $10,000 $2,000 $37,601 0 2 0 0 -1 0 1.2 $0.26 230 -

16a Investigate and implement actions to reduce feral species, if warranted. Bellambi Lagoon WCC $5,000 $1,000 $18,801 0 1 0 0 0 0 1.1 $0.26 231 -16b Investigate and implement actions to reduce feral species, if warranted. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC $5,000 $1,000 $18,801 0 1 0 0 0 0 1.1 $0.26 231 -

126 Implement the Monitoring Plan detailed in Chapter 8 of the EMP (or alternative). All estuaries WCC $10,000 $5,000 $79,004 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $0.00 233 -

127 Develop appropriate community monitoring projects. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $10,000 $10,000 $148,007 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 $0.00 233 -

113 Prepare entrance management policy in consultation with the community, theEstuary Management Committee, and Councillors. Bellambi Lagoon WCC $30,000 $15,000 $237,011 -3 -3 -3 4 0 1 -4.65 -$0.87 235 -

114 Where appropriate, implement entrance management policy, using the media topublicise entrance opening events. Bellambi Lagoon WCC $0 $10,000 $138,007 -3 -3 -3 4 0 1 -4.65 -$0.90 236 -

8 Carry out snag removal only where risks to public safety occur. All estuaries WCC, DPI $5,000 $0 $5,000 -4 -4 0 1 -3 0 -10.8 -$2.92 237 -

2

Where alternative siting for a development is not appropriate, adopt theprinciple of environmental compensation in the approval process for any activitythat causes unavoidable damage to any estuarine habitat or catchment habitat

that is of importance to the estuary.

All estuaries WCC $2,500 $2,500 $37,002 -3 -3 0 0 -3 -3 -13.35 -$2.92 238 -


Appendix BEstuary Management PlanManagement Actions Ordered by Estuary

Table 7.2 Management Actions ordered by Estuary and Rank


Involvement Capital Cost RecurrentCost NPV Rank Notes

1Ensure estuaries are appropriately zoned (prohibiting certain development

types), dedicated and/or reserved, and appropriate development controls areimplemented.

All estuaries WCC $1,000 $0 $1,000 1 In progress

5 Adopt riparian objectives and control measures as detailed in Council’sRiparian Development Control Plan. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $0 $2,000 2 -

3Review public ownership of foreshore and riparian areas whenever

opportunities arise through rezoning, development approvals or acquisition(including like-for-like contributions from developers/landowners)

All estuaries WCC $1,000 $1,000 $14,801 3 In progress

4

Introduce appropriate zoning or an LEP clause requiring consent from Councilfor any development within reserves and buffer zones, except for fencing,revegetation or any works contained in an Estuary Management Plan and

prohibiting certain development types altogether.

All estuaries WCC $1,000 $0 $1,000 6 In progress

52 Prepare Stormwater Management Plans for existing developed areas within theframework of the cumulative impact assessment. All estuaries WCC $10,000 $2,000 $37,601 8 -

119

Develop an education brochure outlining the impacts of human activity onestuary condition and the actions that can be taken at a personal level to

maintain estuary health. Distribute with rates notices and make available atfrequent visitation points.

All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,000 $21,301 13 -

45 Develop and adopt water quality standards (as per ANZECC 2000) for theestuary to identify appropriate standards for aquatic ecosystem health. All estuaries WCC $15,000 $1,000 $28,801 20 In progress

50 Adopt water-sensitive urban design principles, using the LEP or a separateLGA-wide DCP. All estuaries WCC $10,000 $2,000 $37,601 22 In progress

92

Require that a Local Environmental Study be prepared for a major LEP orrezoning proposal for any area within or adjoining an estuary. The LES should

consider potential impacts on estuarine values including the ecosystem,threatened species, water quality, cultural heritage, foreshore and estuary

access and usage, population levels with tourist influx, public amenity, fishingand acid sulphate soils.

All estuaries Proponent $100,000 $0 $100,000 23 -

11 Remove non-native and noxious species and revegetate and regenerate usinglocal native species. All estuaries WCC, CVA, SRCMA $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 24 -

65Monitor estuarine water and sediment quality and ecosystem health, and

catchment water and sediment quality, in accordance with the Monitoring Planin Chapter 8 of the EMP.

All estuaries WCC $2,500 $15,000 $209,511 37 -

48Incorporate in the Soil and Water Management Policy a condition that pre- and

post-development monitoring be undertaken to prove compliance with thestandards at the developer’s cost.

All estuaries WCC $2,000 $0 $2,000 48 -

98 Implement the Coastal Lands Protection Scheme All estuaries WCC $0 $2,000 $27,601 49 -

117Distribute an Estuary Management Plan summary to local residents and make

the full plan available for public perusal at any time. Consult the localcommunity and other stakeholders prior to implementing management actions.


121 Use the local media to publicise Estuary Management Plans, the results ofmonitoring programs, and issues of concern as they arise. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $2,000 $32,601 50 -

118

Maintain an action plan to log the progress and success of the implementationof estuary management plan actions. Update the plan after each Estuary

Management Committee meeting and distribute to interested parties, includingthe media, on request.


59a Include acid sulphate soil provisions in LEP. Identify any existing acid sulphatedrainage, remediate and, if required, prepare a plan for ongoing management. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $5,000 $74,004 57 In progress

100 Develop Floodplain Management Plans that take into consideration the effect ofproposed management actions on environmental, social and cultural values. All estuaries WCC $150,000 $25,000 $495,019 60 In progress

116Publicise the dangers and risks of illegally opening estuary entrances through

the media, and include warnings on signage adjacent to estuary entrances or atbeach reserve carparks.

All estuaries WCC $2,000 $500 $8,900 67 -

99Prepare handouts for distribution at caravan parks and other tourist

accommodation on the need for foreshore users to dispose of bait bags, drinkbottles and other litter appropriately


122 Use Council’s web site as a means of distributing all the above educationalmaterial. All estuaries WCC $1,000 $5,000 $70,004 75 -

120

Develop a plan, preferably using a Geographical Information System, to beused in conjunction with the action plan, showing land and waterway uses andcurrent planning and development activities occurring in the estuary and the

catchment.


44

Establish Standard Operating Procedures for Council staff to follow to preventmowing/slashing of sensitive vegetation (including EECs), inappropriate use of

herbicides/pesticides, etc, incorporating maps or photos of the sensitivehabitats. Investigate Council’s control over inappropriate aerial herbicide

spraying undertaken by the Illawarra District Noxious Weed Authority (IDNWA).

All estuaries WCC, IDNWA $2,500 $500 $9,400 77 -

6

Negotiate property vegetation plans agreements and property managementplans with owners of land with vegetation communities plant and animal

species and/or ecological communities or populations of significantconservation value.


46Calculate pollutant inventories and budgets for existing land uses and prepare

land and water capability assessments to establish total allowable pollutantloads and other relevant loads or factors.


62

Educate the community on environmentally responsible practices around thehouse that protect water quality by developing a brochure for distribution to all

residents, recommending measures including: composting grass clippings;using organic rather than synthetic fertilisers; applying fertiliser sparingly andaccording to soil requirements; vegetating bare soil areas; using phosphate-

free detergents; washing cars on grass; capturing pet droppings; and notdumping domestic refuse, including grass clippings, on the foreshores and

riverbanks or in the bush.

All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $2,000 $32,601 82 In progress

90Investigate sites and areas of potential cultural heritage significance (Aboriginal

and European, including the campsites near Stanwell Creek) and protect asnecessary.

All estuaries WCC, DECC $5,000 $1,000 $18,801 84 -

40Initiate community awareness programs that highlight the presence of

threatened species populations and catchment management approaches toimproving stromwater quality, habitat retention and management.

All estuaries WCC, DECC, SRCMA $5,000 $1,000 $18,801 85 -

102Prepare entrance management policies consistent with Floodplain Management

Plans and ensure entrance management accommodates ecologicalrequirements where possible.


19rErect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the potential habitat for all species of threatened shorebirds and

migratory waders.All estuaries WCC, DECC, $2,000 $500 $8,900 96 -

41Provide ongoing support and opportunities for the community to participate in

restoration and management of aquatic, wetland and wildlife habitats (eg.through WCC’s Bushcare program ).

All estuaries WCC, CVA, DECC,DPI, SRCMA $5,000 $2,500 $39,502 103 -

103 Require water quality, as well as quantity, be considered in the design of anyflood detention structures. All estuaries WCC $1,000 $1,000 $14,801 108 -

47

Prepare and adopt a Soil and Water Management Policy that requiressubmission of a Construction Environmental Managament Plan (including a

Soil and Water Management Plan) with a Development Application setting outhow erosion and sediment control, water quality and water quantity will be

managed during both the construction and operational stages to achieve therequired water quality standards.


49Establish water quality standards for stormwater runoff from new development

considering the estuary’s temporal response to pollutant inputs (daily, weekly ormonthly) and within the framework of the cumulative impact assessment.


109Require, through an LGA-wide DCP, that foreshore protection to control erosionconforms to the VMP and be of a standardised type utilising local native plants

with harder materials, such as timber or rock, only where necessary.All estuaries WCC $15,000 $5,000 $84,004 155 -

19s Erect signage at waterway access points on the need to protect the waterwayfrom litter. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $2,500 $1,500 $23,201 157 -

53 Retrofit existing urban development with stormwater treatment measures suchas trash racks, gross pollutant traps and wetlands (where space permits). All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $150,000 $10,000 $288,007 160 -



63 Educate specific industry groups and developers of best management practicesfor minimising polluted runoff. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $10,000 $2,500 $44,502 161 -

51Permit development on unsewered urban or rural lots only where there is

sufficient area of suitable soil away from drainage lines to satisfactorily disposeof septic effluent on site.


95 Ensure sufficient and appropriate foreshore land continues to be reserved foraccess and facilities. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $5,000 $74,004 166 -

60 Develop SCAMPS in all catchments where faecal contamination is an issue,and address capacity of systems. All estuaries SWC $100,000 $50,000 $790,037 175 -

54 Regularly inspect and audit construction sites to monitor compliance with waterquality criteria attached to the development consent. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $20,000 $281,015 178 -

112

Educate the community and, in particular, the landholders adjacent to thewaterway or in the first row of houses behind foreshore roadways, on the valueof not clearing their land or waterfront reserves to improve their own views, andthe penalties for illegal clearing. Regenerate illegally cleared areas and erecthighly visible fencing (eg. orange safety fencing) and signage as deterrents.


111 Provide local native trees, shrubs and other plants for use on waterfrontproperties. All estuaries WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 180 -

72Undertake an erosion and sedimentation survey (including catchment, in-

stream and foreshores) assessing sediment yield of sources, sediment qualityand rate of infilling. Remediate sources of high risk to the estuary.


91

Adopt a precautionary approach of accepting a lower level of risk (ie. a widersafety margin) for managing existing and proposed land and waterway uses

affecting highly valued environmentally sensitive components of the estuarineecosystem.


105 Carry out entrance management as outlined in adopted entrance managementpolicies All estuaries WCC $15,000 $5,000 $84,004 184 -

97 Classify Council-owned land with open space or conservation value ascommunity land under the Local Government Act. All estuaries WCC $1,000 $1,000 $14,801 200 In progress

93

Survey public foreshore structures and assess whether the location and extentis appropriate. Require the removal of unauthorised private foreshore

structures where they cause a navigation hazard, are unsafe, or exacerbateerosion.


57 Conduct a pollutant audit and remediate inappropriate practices. All estuaries WCC $25,000 $2,000 $52,601 202 In progress

104 Install rainfall, stream flow gauges and water level recorders where required. All estuaries WCC $25,000 $5,000 $94,004 204 -

107 Prepare and adopt a Visual Management System for the LGA setting out themethodology for undertaking visual assessments All estuaries WCC $50,000 $5,000 $119,004 205 -

96 Maximise public ownership and appropriate access to Council and Crownforeshore land. All estuaries WCC $5,000 $5,000 $74,004 206 -

94 Based on the access and demand survey, provide facilities such as parking,litter collection, amenities and walking trails. All estuaries WCC $15,000 $5,000 $84,004 207 -

110 Provide foreshore viewing platforms if required. All estuaries WCC $15,000 $5,000 $84,004 207 -

106 Prepare flood awareness brochures for distribution to residents in flood-proneareas. All estuaries WCC $7,500 $2,500 $42,002 210 -

101 Implement relevant actions from Floodplain Management Plans, taking intoconsideration their likely impact on environmental, social and cultural values. All estuaries WCC $150,000 $50,000 $840,037 211 -

58 Identify and map on Council’s GIS the location of all point source discharges tothe creeks. All estuaries WCC $50,000 $10,000 $188,007 212 -

13Consider the impacts of climate change (particularly sea level rise) in the

assessment of proposed developments, and when identifying and prioritizingsites for regeneration works

All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 227 -

126 Implement the Monitoring Plan detailed in Chapter 8 of the EMP (oralternative). All estuaries WCC $10,000 $5,000 $79,004 233 -

127 Develop appropriate community monitoring projects. All estuaries WCC, SRCMA $10,000 $10,000 $148,007 233 -8 Carry out snag removal only where risks to public safety occur. All estuaries WCC, DPI $5,000 $0 $5,000 237 -

2

Where alternative siting for a development is not appropriate, adopt theprinciple of environmental compensation in the approval process for any

activity that causes unavoidable damage to any estuarine habitat or catchmenthabitat that is of importance to the estuary.


10a Restrict or control access to sensitive estuarine habitats whilst providingappropriate access points for authorised users.

All estuaries exceptTom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, SRCMA $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 5 -

66Erect signage near the estuary entrance to inform the community about

potential water quality problems and associated health risks from primary andsecondary recreational contact, particularly after rainfall.

All estuaries exceptTom Thumb Lagoon WCC $2,500 $500 $9,400 14 -

64

Adopt and adapt the Beach Watch recreational water quality monitoringprogram (based on NHMRC 1990 and ANZECC 2000 criteria), and regularly

monitor estuary water quality against these parameters. Publish the results onsignage near the estuaries and on Council’s website.

All estuaries exceptTom Thumb Lagoon WCC $1,000 $15,000 $208,011 36 -

43 Erect signage adjacent to sensitive habitats to inform Council staff not tomow/slash the vegetation


42 Erect appropriate barriers around foreshore vegetation to prevent mowing byCouncil outdoor staff.


115

Establish a monitoring program to record date of opening and closing, nature ofopening (natural or manual), location and width across the entrance dune,

ocean water level, width and depth of channel development with time, estuarywater levels through time and water velocities.


108

Prepare a Visual Management Plan (VMP) to maintain significant views andvistas and require, through planning instruments, development control plans

and design guidelines that all building and development applications conform tothe VMP.


19qProvide signage to educate the community about the damage caused to dunes

and Aboriginal heritage area through inappropriate activities and access,including the illegal removal of beach sand.

All estuaries,particularly Bellambi

LagoonWCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 4 -

26

Reduce disturbance to coastal feeding, nesting and roosting areas ofthreatened shorebirds and migratory waders by implementing a protection

zone around them (500m radius), and restricting beach-combing, fishing, dog-walking, horse-riding, 4WD vehicles and other disturbing activities in theimmediate vicinity of the potential habitat. Initial focus to be on the Sooty

Oystercatcher habitat at Stanwell Creek.

All estuaries,particularly Stanwell

CreekWCC, DECC $10,000 $2,000 $37,601 230 -

55 Regularly inspect and maintain stormwater treatment devices to ensurecontinued effectiveness.

All estuaries,particularly TomThumb Lagoon

WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 83 In progress

34c Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 24 In progress

24c



Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 52 -

15eInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Bellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 62 -

25cRetain large stands of native and riparian vegetation, identify and protect any


Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC $4,000 $3,000 $45,402 69 In progress

27aProtect and manage potential habitat by creating buffer zones around it (withvegetation or through maintenance of high water levels) to minimise risk of

human disturbance.Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 80 -

19fErect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of the

importance of the potential habitat for threatened birds (Australasian Bitternand Black Bittern).

Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 96 -

19j Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Bellambi Gully WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 96 -

10d Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards toprevent vehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 114 -

19cErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcBellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 125 -

22dEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 133 -



33c Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 142 -

71a Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Bellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $75,000 $10,000 $213,007 164 -

21d Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 168 -

20c Protect potential riparian habitat for the Red Crowned Toadlet by minimsingdisturbance to the upper reaches of the creeks Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 176 -

17bFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered

ecological communities and the habitats of protected species, throughprovision of boardwalks and fencing.

Bellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 189 -

12a Protect mangroves from human access/trampling and weed invasion. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 193 -

29c Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 193 -

75Monitor minor erosion in the vicinity of the footbridge to ensure it does not

worsen and impact the footbridge in the future. Remediate erosion ifconsidered necessary.

Bellambi Gully WCC, SRCMA $0 $750 $10,351 203 -

31c Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

32c Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Bellambi Gully WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

23c Investigate, and where possible implement, measures to control or eradicatethe introduced Mosquito fish. Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 223 -

28a Monitor the presence, density, levels of activity, and potential impacts of feralanimals, in particular foxes and cats, on threatened Bittern species Bellambi Gully WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 228 -

87Undertake stabilisation works on the northern bank of Bellambi Lagoon

entrance to prevent/minimise further erosion and encroachment into an area ofAboriginal heritage.

Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $20,000 $5,000 $89,004 7 -

34d Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,


88Replace existing temporary fencing with permanent fencing to discourage

human disturbance of particularly sensitive areas of the dunes and heritagearea.


38

Protect the Bangalay Sand Forest habitat by minimising further clearing of thecommunity. This requires recognition of the values of all remnants in the land


Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $0 $2,000 $27,601 16 -

35b



Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $0 $2,000 $27,601 16 -

125Investigate the undertakings agreed between SWC and WCC in the 1980’srelating to the ongoing management of Bellambi Lagoon, and implement as

appropriate.Bellambi Lagoon WCC $5,000 $5,000 $74,004 21 -

34g Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of SwampOak Floodplain EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,


19k Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 32 -

89 Erect interpretative signage at the beach reserve and adjacent to the Aboriginalheritage area. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $1,500 $25,701 33 -

70d Stabilise dunes near the estuary entrance in accordance with best managementpractice. Bellambi Lagoon WCC $50,000 $10,000 $188,007 34 -

19aErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcBellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 39 -

18 Relocate or control access to existing informal paths to minimize impacts onthe sensitive vegetation or habitats. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $20,000 $5,000 $89,004 40 -

10k Relocate or control access to existing informal paths to minimize impacts onthe sensitive vegetation or habitats. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $20,000 $5,000 $89,004 40 -

9aInvestigate and protect areas of valuable fish nursery habitat (seagrasses andmangroves), including an assessment of the implications of water quality and

macroalgae on seagrasses.Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 45 -

24d



Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 52 -

25dRetain large stands of native and riparian vegetation, identify and protect any


Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $4,000 $3,000 $45,402 69 In progress

86 Protect sites through the LEP following review of the heritage schedule Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $500 $11,900 73 In progress

27bProtect and manage potential habitat by creating buffer zones around it (withvegetation or through maintenance of high water levels) to minimise risk of

human disturbance.Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 80 -

19gErect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of the

importance of the potential habitat for threatened birds (Australasian Bitternand Black Bittern).

Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 96 -

36bUndertake restoration of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC including bush


Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC $15,000 $1,500 $35,701 104 -

36dUndertake restoration of Bangalay Sand Forest EEC including bush



17cFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered


Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 113 -

10e Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards toprevent vehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 114 -

10h Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards toprevent vehicular access to areas of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 114 -

10j Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards toprevent vehicular access to areas of Bangalay Sand Forest EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 114 -

19n Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 125 -

19p Erect educational signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Bangalay Sand Forest EEC. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 125 -

22eEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 133 -

33d Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 142 -

71b Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $75,000 $10,000 $213,007 164 -

21e Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 168 -

85 Formalise a beach access on the right bank and revegetate disturbed areas toreduce erosion. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 174 -

20d Protect potential riparian habitat for the Red Crowned Toadlet by minimsingdisturbance to the upper reaches of the creeks Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 176 -

39 Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $1,500 $500 $8,400 185 -

37b Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC $1,500 $500 $8,400 185 -

29d Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 193 -

12b Protect mangroves from human access/trampling and weed invasion. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, SRCMA $4,000 $0 $4,000 198 -

31d Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

32d Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

23d Investigate, and where possible implement, measures to control or eradicatethe introduced Mosquito fish. Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 223 -

28b Monitor the presence, density, levels of activity, and potential impacts of feralanimals, in particular foxes and cats, on threatened Bittern species Bellambi Lagoon WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 228 -

16a Investigate and implement actions to reduce feral species, if warranted. Bellambi Lagoon WCC $5,000 $1,000 $18,801 231 -



113 Prepare entrance management policy in consultation with the community, theEstuary Management Committee, and Councillors. Bellambi Lagoon WCC $30,000 $15,000 $237,011 235 -

114 Where appropriate, implement entrance management policy, using the mediato publicise entrance opening events. Bellambi Lagoon WCC $0 $10,000 $138,007 236 -

34b Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,


15dInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Collins Creek WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 62 -

68b Monitor impacts associated with leachate discharges from the old landfill atCollins Creek. Collins Creek WCC $25,000 $10,000 $163,007 93 -

19i Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Collins Creek WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 96 -

10c Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards toprevent vehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 114 -

19dErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcCollins Creek WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 125 -

22cEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 133 -

33b Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 142 -

71g Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Collins Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 150 -

21c Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 168 -

17eFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered


Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 189 -

29b Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Collins Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 193 -

31b Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

32b Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Collins Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

23b Investigate, and where possible implement, measures to control or eradicatethe introduced Mosquito fish. Collins Creek WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 223 -

14bEstablish and maintain well-vegetated riparian zones using appropriate local


Flanagans Creek WCC, SRCMA $20,000 $2,000 $47,601 35 -

15aInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Flanagans Creek WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 62 -

70a Stabilise dunes near the estuary entrance in accordance with best managementpractice. Flanagans Creek WCC $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 110 -

23a Investigate, and where possible implement, measures to control or eradicatethe introduced Mosquito fish. Flanagans Creek WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 223 -

71d Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Flanagans Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 150 -

34a Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,


61a Require all residents to connect to the Stanwell Park Sewerage Scheme. Hargraves Creek WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 42 -

24a



Hargraves Creek WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 52 -

25aRetain large stands of native and riparian vegetation, identify and protect any


Hargraves Creek WCC, DECC $4,000 $3,000 $45,402 69 In progress

56a




Hargraves Creek WCC $2,500 $0 $2,500 91 -

19h Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Hargraves Creek WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 96 -

78 Formalise the beach access and revegetate at area of erosion H3 (refer FiguresF1-F10 in the EPS report) . Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 107 -

70c Stabilise dunes near the estuary entrance in accordance with best managementpractice. Hargraves Creek WCC $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 110 -

10b Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards toprevent vehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 114 -

19bErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcHargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 125 -

22aEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 133 -

20a Protect potential riparian habitat for the Red Crowned Toadlet by minimsingdisturbance to the upper reaches of the creeks Hargraves Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 140 -

33a Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 142 -

76 Fence area of bank erosion H1 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the EPS report) andrevegetate the understorey vegetation to reduce the extent and rate of erosion. Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 148 -

77 Establish a fenced revegetated riparian zone at area of bank erosion H2 (referFigures F1-F10 in the EPS report) to reduce the extent and rate of erosion. Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 148 -

71c Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 150 -

21a Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 168 -

17dFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered


Hargraves Creek WCC, SRCMA $5,000 $500 $11,900 189 -

29a Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Hargraves Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 193 -

31a Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

32a Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Hargraves Creek WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

7bInvestigate the potential impacts on estuarine ecology and water quality of thesmall weir across Slacky Creek (located immediately upstream of the road),

and modify/remove this potential barrier to fish passage as appropriate.Slacky Creek WCC, CVA, DPI $50,000 $0 $50,000 68 -

15bInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Slacky Creek WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 62 -

81 Provide rock toe protection at area of bank erosion S1 (refer Figures F1-F10 inthe EPS report) , re-shape the upper bank, and revegetate. Slacky Creek WCC, SRCMA $40,000 $5,000 $109,004 88 -

82Provide rock toe protection at area of bank erosion S2 (refer Figures F1-F10 in

the EPS report) , or re-shape, to minimize erosion. Revegetate to improveriparian vegetation corridor and increase bank stability.

Slacky Creek WCC, SRCMA $40,000 $5,000 $109,004 88 -

71e Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Slacky Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 150 -

35a



Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC $0 $2,000 $27,601 16 -

34f Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of SwampOak Floodplain EEC. Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,


61b Require all residents to connect to the Stanwell Park Sewerage Scheme. Stanwell Creek WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 42 -

24b



Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC $5,000 $0 $5,000 52 -



25bRetain large stands of native and riparian vegetation, identify and protect any


Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC $4,000 $3,000 $45,402 69 In progress

74Investigate and if necessary de-silt Stanwell Creek immediately downstream ofthe causeway to restore it’s original profile and depth (following finalisation of

repairs/reconstruction of Lower Coast Road).Stanwell Creek WCC $25,000 $5,000 $94,004 87 -

73Investigate alternative methods to repair Lower Beach Road, Stanwell Park, to

minimise erosion of material and deposition in Stanwell Creek. Alternatively, re-design and resurface the road to restore integrity and stability.

Stanwell Creek WCC $150,000 $20,000 $426,015 95 -

36aUndertake restoration of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC including bush


Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC $15,000 $1,500 $35,701 104 -

10g Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards toprevent vehicular access to areas of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 114 -

19eErect interpretative signage to educate the community about sensitive species,habitats & vegetation, cultural heritage values, water quality, consequences of

artificial entrance openings, etcStanwell Creek WCC, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 125 -

19m Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 125 -

22bEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 133 -

20b Protect potential riparian habitat for the Red Crowned Toadlet by minimsingdisturbance to the upper reaches of the creeks Stanwell Creek WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 140 -

80Extend the existing rock toe protection downstream to area of bank erosionSW2 (refer Figures F1-F10 in the EPS report) . Provide revegetation and

fencing to control access along the downstream section.Stanwell Creek WCC, SRCMA $40,000 $5,000 $109,004 158 -

79Provide rock toe protection at area of bank erosion SW1 (refer Figures F1-F10

in the EPS report) , and revegetate upper bank with understorey and shrubspecies. Extend downstream through the minimally active zone.

Stanwell Creek WCC, SRCMA $65,000 $10,000 $203,007 162 -

21b Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 168 -

37a Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. Stanwell Creek WCC, CVA, DECC $1,500 $500 $8,400 185 -

17aFormalise existing beach access points to minimise impacts to endangered


Stanwell Creek WCC $5,000 $500 $11,900 189 -

14aEstablish and maintain well-vegetated riparian zones using appropriate local


Stoney Creek WCC, SRCMA $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 15 -

61c Require all residents to connect to the Stanwell Park Sewerage Scheme. Stoney Creek WCC $0 $5,000 $69,004 42 -

56b




Stoney Creek WCC $2,500 $0 $71,504 167 -

71h Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Stoney Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $3,000 $66,402 150 -

35c



Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, DECC $0 $2,000 $27,601 16 -

34e Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of CoastalSaltmarsh EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,


34h Implement weed control programs to prevent and control infestation of SwampOak Floodplain EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,


9bInvestigate and protect areas of valuable fish nursery habitat (seagrasses andmangroves), including an assessment of the implications of water quality and

macroalgae on seagrasses.Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI $10,000 $1,000 $23,801 45 -

7aInvestigate the potential impacts on estuarine ecology and water quality of the

proposed removal of the causeway across Garangaty waterway, andmodify/remove this potential barrier to fish passage as appropriate.

Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI $100,000 $0 $100,000 58 -

29e Investigate and manage water quality and hydrological impacts on saltmarsh Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $3,000 $0 $3,000 59 In progress

30 Investigate and manage competition between mangroves and saltmarsh inconsultation with DPI Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

DECC $1,500 $1,500 $22,201 92 In progress

68a Monitor impacts associated with leachate discharges from the old landfill atTTL. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC $25,000 $10,000 $163,007 93 In progress

19l Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Coastal Saltmarsh EEC Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, DPI, SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 96 -

36cUndertake restoration of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC including bush


Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC $20,000 $2,500 $54,502 109 -

10f Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards toprevent vehicular access to areas of Coastal Saltmarsh EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 114 -

10i Minimise human disturbance by installing gates, fencing and bollards toprevent vehicular access to areas of Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, DECC, SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 114 -

12c Protect mangroves from human access/trampling and weed invasion. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, SRCMA $1,000 $0 $1,000 123 -

19o Erect interpretative signs to provide information to visitors and residents of theimportance of the Swamp Oak Floodplain EEC. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $2,000 $500 $8,900 125 -

22fEnhance frog habitat to improve reproductive success and recruitment by


Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,SRCMA $23,000 $5,000 $92,004 133 -

33e Protect saltmarsh from disturbance through provision of signage and activemanagement. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $7,500 $500 $14,400 147 -

67 Investigate options to mitigate water quality impacts from the sewer overflowupstream of Tom Thumb Lagoon and implement when possible. Tom Thumb Lagoon SWC, WCC $10,000 $5,000 $79,004 156 In progress

21f Minimise disturbance to, and restore, potential GGBF riparian habitat byfencing and revegetating to create buffer zones. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC,

SRCMA $7,500 $1,500 $28,201 168 -

37c Promote public involvement in restoration and bush regeneration activities. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DECC $1,500 $500 $8,400 185 -

69Undertake a desktop assessment of existing water quality discharge data to

investigate the potential for water quality improvement in TTL as a result of theclosure of the Tin Mill.

Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC $2,500 $0 $2,500 209 -

31e Maintain buffer zones of terrestrial vegetation adjacent to saltmarsh to allow forexpansion of saltmarsh and to minimise nutrient flow. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,

SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

32e Allow areas of saltmarsh to regenerate naturally where possible. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC, CVA, DPI,SRCMA $0 $1,000 $13,801 213 -

16b Investigate and implement actions to reduce feral species, if warranted. Tom Thumb Lagoon WCC $5,000 $1,000 $18,801 231 -

123

Identify, maintain, support, improve and acknowledge the existing partnershipswith Friends of TTL, CVA, PKPC, Port Kembla Coal Terminal, Bluescope Steel,CMA, DECC, DPI, SWC and other Divisions of WCC, and the success of their

combined efforts in improving the management of TTL.

TTL TTL Stakeholders $500 $500 $7,400 9 -

124

Maintain and improve the existing partnership approach to facilitate theimproved management, clean-up and notification of sewage overflow eventsaffecting TTL, including consideration of installing a gross pollutant trap, and

maintenance of SWC infrastructure throughout TTL.

TTL CVA, FoTLL, SWC $500 $500 $7,400 9 -

14cEstablish and maintain well-vegetated riparian zones using appropriate local


Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $25,000 $2,500 $59,502 38 -

15cInvestigate bank regrading works to provide a wider and less steep ripariancorridor with improved habitats in accordance with floodplain management

objectives, whilst providing access to authorised users.Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $200,000 $0 $200,000 62 -

70b Stabilise dunes near the estuary entrance in accordance with best managementpractice. Whartons Creek WCC $15,000 $3,000 $56,402 110 -

83 Supplement the erosion protection (gabion baskets) provided near the entranceto the estuary with revegetation. Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $10,000 $2,500 $44,502 146 -

71f Investigate, verify and rectify potential erosion sites in upstream catchments. Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $40,000 $5,000 $109,004 159 -

84 Restrict access to, and revegetate, the left bank between the entrance to BulliBeach Holiday Park and the footbridge. Whartons Creek WCC, SRCMA $15,000 $2,000 $42,601 183 -


GHD Pty Ltd ABN 39 008 488 373

Level 1, 57 Kembla Street, Wollongong NSW 2500T: (02) 4222 2300 F: (02) 4222 2301 E: [email protected]

© GHD Pty Ltd 2007

This document is and shall remain the property of GHD Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for thepurposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Consultancy Agreement for thecommission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

Document Status

Reviewer Approved for IssueRevNo. Author

Name Signature Name Signature Date

1st

Draft V McBride J Ellaway D Parker 13/06/07

2nd

Draft V McBride J Ellaway D Parker 16/07/07

Final J Ellaway J Ellaway D Parker 19/12/07

mailto:[email protected]

Estuary Management Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and Lagoons · 2019-07-04 · ii Estuary...

Documents

Transcript of Estuary Management Plan for Several Wollongong Creeks and Lagoons · 2019-07-04 · ii Estuary...